Court allows police to detain 3 over murder of MTRH pharmacist

Suspects Titus Njoroge, Patrick Mwangi and Jeremiah Njoroge in court/HANDOUT

Three suspects were on Tuesday arraigned in an Eldoret court in connection with the murder of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital pharmacist Richard Rotich.

He was shot dead at his home on the outskirts of the town on January 7.

Suspects Titus Njoroge, Patrick Mwangi and Jeremiah Njoroge appeared before senior resident magistrate Daniel Sitati, who allowed police to detain them for 14 days to complete investigations.

Investigating officer Edwin Chirchir told the court the three were linked to the killing and were expected to be charged with robbery with violence.

He said an AK-47 rifle recovered from the suspects was yet to undergo ballistics examination and key witnesses were still recording statements.

“Your honour, the firearm recovered is yet to be subjected to ballistics examination, and several witnesses are yet to record their statements,” Chirchir said in an affidavit.

He said one of the accused was a serial escapee from lawful custody and police feared the suspects could flee if released.

The officer further told the court the suspects were linked to several other criminal attacks in the region.

In his ruling, Sitati said the prosecution had presented compelling reasons to justify the detention.

“I am satisfied the investigations have adduced sufficient grounds to warrant the detention of the suspects. I order that they be held at Eldoret Central police station for 14 days to facilitate completion of investigations,” he ruled.

The suspects were produced in court under tight security.

Titus asked to be detained at Eldoret prison, but the magistrate rejected the request, noting that while bail is a constitutional right, it must be balanced against public safety and the rights of victims.

Rotich was shot dead last week by armed gunmen at his home near Marura.

Colleagues said he was at his chemist in Kimumu market on January 7 at 11pm when he was informed his family had been attacked. He rushed home but was confronted by the attackers, who shot him dead on the spot.

Following the killing, MTRH staff on Tuesday staged protests in Eldoret, marching through the town to the Eldoret Central police station and later to the law courts.

Led by Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers branch chairman Japheth Keittany and shop steward Paul Athing, the medics said they were angered by the killing of their colleague and feared for their safety.

“We have come to the police station to seek justice for our colleague who was shot dead by criminals loitering in this city,” Keittany said, adding that Rotich’s killing was the third to affect hospital staff in recent years.

“Our safety is in the hands of the police, and we demand action to safeguard our lives.” 

Another medic, Kiptis Susy, questioned why armed criminals were allowed to terrorise residents despite police being armed to protect the public.

“As medics, we carry syringes to save lives. As police officers, I wonder if you were given guns to be herding goats,” she remarked.

The protesters claimed the deceased had encountered police officers while rushing home but they allegedly failed to intervene.

Uasin Gishu county police commander Benjamin Mwanthi said three suspects had already been arrested and assured staff of enhanced security.

“The safety of MTRH staff is our concern because they are part of this community. I thank you for conducting peaceful protests,” Mwanthi said, adding that more officers had been deployed at the hospital and in surrounding areas.

The medics later handed over a memorandum to police demanding intensified patrols across the city.