Witnesses have revealed explosive details in the ongoing murder trial of slain athlete Samson Kandie, telling the High Court in Eldoret that his wife allegedly hired hitmen to punish him for infidelity.
Three witnesses appeared before Justice Reuben Nyakundi, where they testified that Rose Chepkemboi Rotich approached several individuals with an offer to discipline Kandie, whom she suspected of having an affair with a commercial sex worker.
The court heard that Rotich, a clinical officer by profession, was deeply angered by her husband's relationship with the woman, and sought to discipline him.
Joshua Nyanchae, the first witness, stunned the court when he claimed Rotich offered him Sh200,000 to organise a group of men to "discipline" Kandie for disrespecting her.
Nyanchae alleged Rotich was emotionally disturbed and obsessed with the idea of getting back at her husband.
"She told me she wanted people who would discipline her husband, she wanted them to beat him. I told her it was a difficult task. We disagreed over the deal, and I kept down the payment. I never heard from her again until I learned about her husband's murder," Nyanchae stated.
Nyachae disclosed he was introduced to Rotich by Sheila Malakwen, a hawker who previously worked as a househelp for the Rotich's.
Malakwen on her side testified that Rotich had confided in her about her marital woes, revealing that she was fed up with Kandie's actions.
Malakwen said Rotich was convinced Kandie was involved with another woman and wanted him disciplined.
Felix Kodek, another prosecution witness, echoed similar claims. He told the court that Rotich had approached him and two others with the same request.
"We met Madam Rotich at a restaurant in Eldoret town, where she bought us drinks and shared how to carry out the mission," Kodek testified.
He further stated that Rotich offered them Sh90,000 as a deposit, although he later chose to withdraw from the plan.
Malakwen also recalled seeing Rotich in the company of co-accused individuals Jamlick Kiptoon and Vincent Kiprono, and suspected they were working on the plot together.
The three accused, Rotich, Jamlick Kiptoon, and Vincent Kiprono, are charged with the October 4, 2024 murder of Kandie at his Elgon View residence in Eldoret.
Kandie, a decorated athlete who once represented Kenya in international athletics events, was reportedly found dead with severe injuries with his hands and legs tied. His mobile phone was missing.
