Key Suspect in Ex-Marathoner's Murder Jailed for Six Years

A primary suspect connected to the murder of former marathoner Samson Kandie has received a six-year prison sentence following a plea deal w...

A primary suspect connected to the murder of former marathoner Samson Kandie has received a six-year prison sentence following a plea deal with the authorities.

Jamlick Murgit admitted guilt to the reduced charge of conspiracy to commit murder and received his sentence from Eldoret senior principal magistrate Peter Areri, who officially approved the plea agreement between Murgit and the prosecution.

As per the indictment, Murgit plotted with others to murder Kandie at Elgon View Estate in Kesses subcounty, Uasin Gishu county, on October 3, 2024.

"Having admitted guilt for the crime, I sentence you to spend six years in prison," Magistrate Areri decided.

As part of the plea deal, Murgit gave up his right to appeal and will now serve as a state witness in the murder case involving Rose Chepkemboi, the widow of Kandie.

He was first charged with murder at the High Court along with Chepkemboi and another individual, Vincent Kiprono.

Kiprono has also entered into a plea agreement with the state and will be charged with the reduced offense of manslaughter. His case is set to be addressed on December 8 in the High Court.

Two weeks ago, state prosecutor Sidi Kirenge notified trial judge Justice Reuben Nyakundi that Murgit and Kiprono had sent a letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions indicating their intention to engage in plea discussions.

With the two co-defendants now testifying as witnesses, Chepkemboi will face trial by herself for her husband's murder.

Five witnesses—among them the couple's daughter Vienna—have provided testimony.

Justice Nyakundi is anticipated to schedule a new court date for the case.

Vienna previously described a difficult family environment, informing the court that her household had been in chaos for years because of ongoing arguments between her parents regarding accusations of infidelity. She mentioned that her mother frequently accused Kandie of cheating, a claim he always denied.

"I frequently heard them arguing, with my mother insisting that our father was having a relationship with another woman," Vienna stated, mentioning that Chepkemboi once checked Kandie's phone for the suspected woman's number but found nothing.

The conflict intensified on October 1, 2024. Following a fierce disagreement, Kandie left the house, stating that he was going "to seek peace that he couldn't find at home." She pleaded with him not to leave, but he remained determined.

The next day, Vienna was at her shop located approximately a kilometer away. As night fell, she called her mother so they could walk home together, mentioning that her father didn't like her arriving home late.

Chepkemboi reached the store at 7:40 PM, had a short conversation with the landlord, and then headed back home, arriving at 8 PM.

Throughout the journey, Chepkemboi continuously asked Vienna to contact her father, but he did not respond.

When they arrived at their house, they discovered Kandie's car in the yard, but the house was dark.

Vienna rushed inside and turned on the lights, but there was no indication of his presence. She called once more, and this time, a different person answered.

"The man who answered the call told me to search for my father in the toilet and questioned me about why Kandie had been involved with his wife," she said in court.

Vienna rushed to the outdoor restroom, where she discovered her father bound, his head swollen, bleeding from his eyes, and in severe pain. She cried out for assistance, but according to her statement, her mother ordered her to be quiet so as not to disturb the neighbors and insisted they would take him to the hospital in their car.

Kandie remained aware, yet was having difficulty. Vienna mentioned that her mother had asked her to get water and give it to him while she (Vienna) attempted to contact a nurse relative for an ambulance.

Two guards assisted them in carrying Kandie to the car and rushed him to Top Hill Hospital, where he was taken to the emergency department. Vienna stated that her mother seemed "happy" as medical staff worked to save his life.

"I even noticed her smiling while on calls, and at one point, I heard her mention that Kandie had been severely punished by God," she said.

I was surprised because everyone was sad, but she looked happy.

Vienna also informed the court that she had once experienced a difficult relationship with her father, as her mother frequently depicted him as a negative figure. However, they reconciled during high school and rekindled their connection—a relationship that continued until Kandie's passing.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).