Bomet: A murder suspect linked to the brutal killing of Eva Rachel Chepngetich Ruto, 45, in a suspected love triangle, has been arrested and arraigned in court following a week-long manhunt. Wesley Cheruiyot Koech, who was arrested from his hideout in Kipkelion West, Kericho County, appeared before Bomet High Court on Friday, facing murder charges related to the incident that occurred on March 24, 2025.
According to Kenya News Agency, Bomet County Criminal Investigations Officer Emmanuel Ogao stated that detectives had been trailing the suspect since the murder was reported. 'Our officers, working in collaboration with investigative agencies, managed to apprehend him from his hideout in Kericho. The investigations began immediately after the murder was reported on the morning of March 25 by the deceased's daughter, who found her mother's lifeless body at their home on the outskirts of Bomet town. Authorities swiftly responded, moving the body to the mortuary and launching an extensive investigation,' Ogao stated.
Ogao disclosed that crucial evidence found at the crime scene linked Koech to the crime after narrowing down a number of suspects believed to be linked to the murder. 'We recovered a knife and a bloody towel, believed to have been used in the heinous act. Initially, four suspects were under investigation, but through forensic analysis and phone records, we narrowed it down to the accused,' Ogao said.
The suspect was presented before Magistrate Esther Boke but did not enter a plea. The court ruled that he be remanded for 14 days to allow investigators to finalise their findings. 'The accused will be detained at Bomet Police Station for 14 days pending the conclusion of investigations after the affidavit has been analysed,' Magistrate Boke ruled.
Ogao further urged the public to remain patient as the legal process unfolds, emphasising the importance of allowing the Judiciary to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation. 'We understand that the community is deeply affected by this tragic loss. However, we must allow the legal system to take its course. Our officers have worked diligently to gather the necessary evidence, and we are confident that justice will be served for no one is above the law, and we will ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable through due process. We ask for patience and trust in the system as we proceed with this case,' he stated.