An Eldoret court has ordered a mental assessment for a police constable accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend and another man at a local pub in Uasin Gishu County last month.
Principal Magistrate Caroline Wattima directed that the suspect, Constable Eric Kirui, be taken to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he is fit to stand trial. The results will inform whether Kirui can proceed to plea taking, which is scheduled before the duty judge on July 22, 2025.
Kirui is suspected of killing Caroline Malakwen and Ignatius Kipchumba on the night of June 23 at Kokwet Pub, located in the Jua Kali trading centre along the Eldoret-Webuye highway. Investigators believe the incident was triggered by a love triangle dispute. The pub was reportedly owned by the deceased woman.
Appearing in court on Monday, Kirui’s lawyers, Nathan Oburu and Calvine Ojalla, informed the magistrate that the officer sustained injuries during his arrest by fellow police officers. They requested that he be granted access to medical treatment at a public facility.
Magistrate Wattima directed that the suspect be escorted to hospital for treatment and later held at the Eldoret GK Remand Prison pending further court proceedings. Kirui has been in custody at Eldoret Central Police Station since his arrest in connection with the killings.
Kirui was stationed at Tembelio Police Station in Moiben sub-county at the time of the incident. Authorities are continuing investigations as the case moves to the trial phase.
Written By Rodney Mbua
