Four Suspects Arraigned in Eldoret Court Over Brutal Murder of Kipkaren Resident

Four suspects were arraigned before the Eldoret High Court in connection with the gruesome murder of Samwel Mugiro, whose battered body was discovered in River Kipkaren last month. The murder, which shocked residents of Kipkaren estate and drew the attention of human rights groups, is suspected to be linked to violent incidents that occurred during recent protests in the area.

Appearing before High Court Deputy Registrar Carolyne Watima, the four suspects — Dennis Kiptoo, Elvis Kiptanui, Abiud Barkutwa, and Cornelius Keter — were not formally charged as the prosecution, led by G. Kirenge, requested that they first undergo a mental assessment.

Watima directed that the suspects be taken to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for the evaluation and ruled that they would return to court on June 4, 2025, for plea taking. She also dismissed the suspects’ request to be released on bond, noting that the court lacked jurisdiction to make a bond determination at this stage.

“This court has no jurisdiction as concerns the application for bond at this time,” Watima stated, ordering that the suspects be remanded until the completion of their medical evaluation.

Family members of the deceased, alongside human rights activists led by Kimutai Kirui, were present in court. The emotional session reflected the gravity of the case and the widespread concern it has generated in the region.

Murder Amid Protest Chaos

Samwel Mugiro had been reported missing about a month ago during local protests in Kipkaren estate, located in Kapseret subcounty, Uasin Gishu. His body was later discovered in River Kipkaren, on the outskirts of Eldoret City, under suspicious circumstances that prompted immediate police investigations.

A postmortem conducted at MTRH revealed disturbing details about the nature of Mugiro’s death. According to MTRH resident pathologist Dr. Benson Macharia, the body showed clear signs of physical abuse and torture before the victim was thrown into the river.

“The deceased sustained multiple injuries on the head, lower and upper limbs. However, the actual cause of death was drowning, meaning he was still alive, though severely injured, when he was thrown into the river,” Dr. Macharia said during a press briefing.

These findings were echoed and supported by Dr. Walter Nalianya, a private pathologist representing the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) and the family of the deceased. Dr. Nalianya agreed with the conclusion that drowning was the cause of death but emphasized that the injuries were consistent with assault and a struggle.

“There is no doubt that third parties were involved. The deceased had defensive injuries, suggesting he tried to resist his attackers before being overpowered,” said Nalianya.

Calls for Justice

The death of Mugiro has intensified calls for justice from both his family and rights defenders, who have expressed concern over what they describe as a disturbing trend of extrajudicial actions during public unrest.

Human rights advocate Kimutai Kirui, who has been vocal on issues of police and mob violence in the region, demanded thorough investigations and transparency from law enforcement. “We want justice for Samwel. The circumstances of his death are horrific, and we expect the court process to be swift, fair, and thorough,” Kirui said outside the court.

He also urged security agencies to take seriously the broader implications of the case, warning that unresolved cases like Mugiro’s can erode public trust in the justice system.

Next Steps

With the mental assessment scheduled at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, the suspects remain in custody. The case is set to proceed on June 4, when the suspects will be expected to take their pleas.

The murder of Samwel Mugiro has once again placed a spotlight on the intersection of civil unrest, violence, and the need for stronger safeguards on human rights — particularly during times of heightened tension and protests. As the legal process begins, Mugiro’s family and the public at large await justice in a case that has stirred grief, outrage, and calls for accountability across Uasin Gishu County.

May 31, 2025