The prime suspect in the murder of long-distance runner and former world record holder Agnes Tirop has been released from prison after being granted a cash bail.
Tirop's husband, who was arrested in Mombasa in October 2021, was released on a bond of Ksh400,000 with a similar surety or cash bond of Ksh500,000.
Justice Robert Wananda of the Eldoret High Court granted the accused bail after listening to the prayers of the defence attorneys.
Tirop husband's lawyers convinced the court that he was not a flight risk, as argued by the prosecution, which opposed the bail application for two years.
While appearing before the court, the accused pleaded not guilty to allegations of murder. He was thus released with several conditions that he must adhere to while out of jail lest he risks having his bail cancelled.
Justice Wananda ordered him against interfering with witnesses and also barred him from visiting Iten, where the murder was orchestrated.
He also barred the suspect from leaving Uasin-Gishu County as the case of the slain athlete continues.
On July 11, the judge declined to grant the accused bail and ordered police to detain him for another 61 days.
His bail application was heard once again on October 9, with the judge setting his bail determination date to November 15.
Agnes Tirop was found dead at her home in Iten, with her body bearing stab wounds in October 2021. Investigations into the case linked his husband, with whom they had reportedly differed, as the prime suspect in the homicide.
Reports alleged that the duo had a misunderstanding over wealth gained from the proceeds of Tirop's athletic career.
The athlete was brutally murdered a few days after jetting into the country after breaking the women's 10-kilometre world record in Germany, clocking 30:01.
She also won bronze medals in the World Championships in the 10,000-metre race in 2017 and 2019 competitions respectively.
