Elders from the Kaplel clan in Nandi County on Monday conducted a cleansing ceremony in the house of the late Agnes Tirop who was allegedly murdered last week.
The elders led by Kirwa Bitok, the elders slaughtered a sheep and cleaned the house in which Tirop was found dead on Wednesday October 13, 2021.
The cultural rites happened hours after Ibrahim Rotich, the prime suspect in Tirop's murder, was arraigned in Iten Law Courts.
Mr Bitok said the cleansing ceremony paves way for any member of Tirop's family to live in the house.
"We have exorcised the bad spirits and the house is now ready for anyone to live in. As our tradition dictates, we have smeared the house with cow dung and sprinkled it with milk. We have cast a spell on all those involved in the brutal killing of our daughter," Bitok said.
The Police last week arrested Tirop’s husband, Ibrahim Kipchumba Rotich, who is a suspect in the investigation of her death.
“Emmanuel Ibrahim Rotich, who is her husband, is still at large, and preliminary investigations tell us Rotich is a suspect because he cannot be found. Police are trying to find him so he can explain what happened to Tirop.” Tom Makori, head of police for the area, said.
Rotich had been acting as Tirop’s coach but constantly had disagreements which forced the husband to move out of their marital home.
The two reportedly sought arbitration from family members on several occasions. Neighbours said the deceased returned to the house on Monday, October 11, having left weeks earlier after a disagreement.
"She had not been home since returning from Japan. Tirop said she was physically abused and fled to the training camp to seek refuge. She had just returned home following the arbitration by the family and friends," one neighbour said.