The family of slain Olympian, Agnes Tirop, appealed to the government to intervene on their behalf after they reached an impasse with her husband over the athlete’s wealth.
A family spokesperson who addressed the media on Friday, October 15, stated that they were alarmed by the husband’s alleged plot to inherit all her estates. This included parcels of land, commercial buildings and a poultry farm.
Emmanuel Ibrahim Rotich, who was arrested in Changamwe, Mombasa County on Thursday, October 14, was reported to have coerced his late wife to register all her wealth under his name. Rotich is the main suspect in the murder case.
“We appeal to the DCI and the government to make a follow-up and recover all her wealth. We are unable to get it back. We have looked at three land agreements between the two and we suspect that she was conned,” the spokesperson stated.
Nandi Governor, Stephen Sang, consoled the family and vowed to ensure that the athlete’s wealth is recovered.
He urged the family to bury the athlete with the surety that his government would, after that, coordinate with relevant authorities to solve the impasse.
“She earned her wealth through sweat. By the time we are laying her to rest, it must be secured,” Sang vowed.
Athletics Kenya President, Jackson Tuwei, cautioned athletes from registering wealth under lovers, families and partners’ names. He urged them to consult lawyers and other experts before investing.
Rotich’s sister disclosed that her brother was reserved and never spoke to the family on his woes.
“He is so polite and we were surprised that he was roped into such a heinous crime,” she stated.
“We ask Tirop’s family to forgive us,” she added.
