By Robert Mutasi 
Five suspects linked to the murder of a hotel manager in Eldoret will remain in police custody for 14 more days as detectives finalize investigations into the incident that has shocked Uasin Gishu County.
Eldoret Resident Magistrate Naima Chelagat allowed an application by police to detain Allan Kiprotich, Elvis Ambani, Jackson Sifuna, Fredrick Seroney and Betty Jeptoo to enable officers to complete crucial aspects of the probe.
The court heard that the five are under investigation over the murder of an Eldoret hotel manager only identified as Sema, whose body was found dumped near Kipkorgot Centre in Ainabkoi Sub-County, a short distance from his abandoned vehicle.
According to police, the deceased is believed to have been assaulted near a homestead in Kipkorgot village on the night of August 6, 2026, before his body was later moved and found lying by the roadside.
The investigating officer told the court that police are yet to recover the suspected murder weapon believed to have been used in the brutal attack. Detectives also intend to record statements from witnesses who were within the area on the fateful night, obtain call data and mobile phone records for analysis, and conduct forensic examination of blood samples collected from the crime scene and from the suspects’ clothes.
In addition, the officer said all five suspects will be subjected to mental assessment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital to ascertain their fitness to stand trial before they are formally charged with murder.
Police told the court that following the discovery of the body, they launched a manhunt that led them to a home at Tuiyot Farm in Kipkorgot Location. It is here that the prime suspects, Allan Kiprotich Tuiyot and Betty Jeptoo Bii, who are reported to be a couple, were arrested. The other three suspects were arrested in a follow-up operation within Eldoret town.
While granting the 14-day custodial orders, Magistrate Chelagat noted that murder is a serious offence and the prosecution had given compelling reasons to justify continued detention.
The matter will be mentioned on August 25, 2026 for further directions, with police expected to have concluded investigations and prepared to prefer murder charges against the suspects.
Meanwhile, the body of the deceased is being preserved at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination as family members call for speedy justice.
The killing has sparked outrage among hotel workers and residents of Kipkorgot, who have called for enhanced security in the area.
Eldoret Leo