Four individuals have been arraigned in connection with the murder of a man whose body was discovered in River Kipkaren near Eldoret. The suspects, identified as Dennis Kiptoo, Elvis Kiptanui, Abiud Barkutwa, and Cornelius Keter, were brought before an Eldoret court where preliminary proceedings were held.
During the court session, the High Court deputy registrar ordered that the suspects undergo a mental assessment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) before any formal charges could be instituted. The assessment is a standard legal procedure intended to determine the mental fitness of the accused to stand trial. The court directed that the suspects be returned on June 4, 2025, when they will be expected to take a plea.
The charges stem from the alleged abduction and subsequent murder of Samwel Mugiro. He is believed to have been kidnapped from Kipkaren estate in Kapseret subcounty, Uasin Gishu. Reports indicate that Mugiro was tortured before being thrown into River Kipkaren, where his lifeless body was later discovered. His disappearance occurred during public protests staged by Kipkaren estate residents approximately a month ago.
The prosecution has indicated that it will be pressing murder charges against the four suspects once the mental assessment is completed. In the courtroom, the suspects appealed for bail, requesting to be released on bond while the case is ongoing. However, the court clarified that it does not have the jurisdiction to rule on bond applications at this preliminary stage, especially before plea taking. The suspects remain in custody pending the outcome of their mental evaluations.
Mugiro’s family members and local human rights advocates were present in court during the arraignment. Among those present was a vocal group of activists who have been demanding justice and accountability since the incident came to light. Their presence underscored the gravity of the case and the community’s interest in seeing justice served.
A postmortem examination conducted at MTRH shed more light on the brutal circumstances surrounding Mugiro’s death. According to the forensic findings, his body bore multiple injuries, including wounds on the head and limbs, consistent with torture. Despite the visible injuries, the official cause of death was determined to be drowning, indicating that Mugiro was still alive when he was dumped into the river.
The postmortem findings suggested a violent struggle prior to his death. Evidence of defensive injuries on his hands implied that Mugiro attempted to resist his attackers. These details pointed to third-party involvement, further supporting the murder allegations brought against the suspects.
A second pathologist, representing the deceased’s family and other stakeholders, concurred with the initial findings. He emphasized the role of the external injuries and the fact that Mugiro was still alive when immersed in water, which led to his death by drowning. The dual pathologist reports strongly suggested coordinated violence and deliberate intent to cause harm.
As the case proceeds, the suspects remain in custody. The next court appearance on June 4 will mark a critical stage, as the suspects are expected to be formally charged and asked to enter pleas. The proceedings are closely followed by the public and rights groups, who continue to call for a thorough and transparent judicial process to ensure justice for the slain man and his grieving family.
