A chilling murder case has gripped Eldoret after the body of Samwel Mugiro, who went missing during recent protests in Kipkaren estate, was discovered in River Kipkaren.
The case, which has sent shockwaves across Uasin Gishu, is unfolding at the Eldoret High Court where four suspects have been arraigned over the heinous crime.
Four Suspects Arraigned at Eldoret Law Courts
On May 30, 2025, Dennis Kiptoo, Elvis Kiptanui, Abiud Barkutwa, and Cornelius Keter appeared before High Court Deputy Registrar Carolyne Watima. They are the prime suspects in the murder of Samwel Mugiro, whose lifeless body was found near River Kipkaren—just a few kilometers from Eldoret CBD.
The prosecution, led by G Kirenge, applied to hav e the suspects undergo mental assessment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) before formal charges are read.
“This court has no jurisdiction as concerns the application for bond at this time,” ruled Watima.
“The suspects will be escorted for medical assessment and will return to court on June 4, 2025, for plea taking.”
The Gruesome Details Behind the River Kipkaren Murder
Mugiro’s body was discovered roughly a month after he vanished amid protests in Kipkaren estate, located in Kapseret subcounty. The postmortem, carried out at MTRH, revealed horrifying details:
- Multiple injuries to the head, arms, and legs
- Signs of torture and defensive wounds
- Cause of death: drowning
According to Dr. Benson Macharia, a resident pathologist at MTRH, the deceased was still alive when he was thrown into the river. His findings were echoed by Dr. Walter Nalianya, a private pathologist from the Independent Medico-Legal Unit, who emphasized the involvement of a third party and evidence of a struggle.
Local Reaction: Community and Human Rights Activists Speak Out
The courtroom was filled with emotional scenes as family members and human rights crusaders, led by Kimutai Kirui, demanded swift justice. The case has sparked widespread concern in Eldoret, with many residents calling for more accountability in handling similar crimes.
This tragedy has not only rocked Kipkaren estate but has also raised broader questions about safety during protests and the role of law enforcement in protecting civilians.
What Eldoret Residents Should Know
As this case progresses, here are key dates and facts to keep in mind:
- Suspects to return for plea on June 4, 2025
- Mental assessments to be conducted at MTRH
- Family awaits justice and closure
- Case being heard at the Eldoret Law Courts, near Eldoret Central Police Station
Why This Case Matters to Eldoret
The River Kipkaren murder case isn’t just another headline—it represents the urgent need to address public safety, especially in estates like Kipkaren where tensions have been rising. With prominent local institutions like MTRH and Eldoret Law Courts involved, this case continues to hold the attention of residents and human rights defenders across the region.
