The shocking revelation that a woman’s eyes were gouged out after her murder on Valentine’s Day has led a magistrate in Eldoret to dismiss manslaughter charges against the suspect in the case.
Senior Resident Magistrate Beatrice Toroitich has urged the prosecution to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Rose Akinyi Oluoch, whose boyfriend, Jonah Kiplimo, faced manslaughter charges linked to her death.
According to the charge sheet, Oluoch was killed between February 14 and 15 at Kapyemit location in Turbo subcounty, Uasin Gishu County. Kiplimo had initially pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge. However, during the prosecution’s presentation, led by Patricia Kirui, it was revealed that Oluoch’s body was discovered in her rental home at Maili Nne with her eyes gouged out and numerous injuries indicative of strangulation.
Kirui referenced the investigating officer’s report, which lacked comprehensive details about the circumstances of the murder. She informed the court that Kiplimo had gone missing after the incident but later reported to Kobujoi police station in Nandi County, where he allegedly confessed to the crime.
Upon his arrest, Kiplimo was taken back to the crime scene, where the body was found bearing multiple injuries. While the postmortem report did not clarify whether the eyes had been removed, the magistrate expressed her astonishment at the insufficient details provided by the prosecution. She questioned the basis for the manslaughter charge given the nature of the injuries.
“The facts are too vague, failing to clarify where, how, and why the incident occurred. Given that the eyes were gouged out, a clear explanation is necessary, including the identity of the perpetrator. We need a comprehensive account of the events leading to the killing,” Toroitich stated.
She raised concerns about how investigators concluded there was no intent to kill, considering the brutality of the attack. “This appears to be a case of murder rather than manslaughter. The court cannot proceed with such a charge unless the facts align with the events,” she emphasized.
Kirui stated that the details on record stemmed from the accused’s confession, but the magistrate remained unsatisfied with the lack of clarity. Consequently, she returned the file to the prosecution, instructing the investigating officer to provide more substantial information before the case could advance.
The family of the deceased, represented by lawyer Richard Warigi, echoed similar concerns regarding the handling of the case. “My clients are perplexed as to why the accused was not charged with murder and how the manslaughter charge was determined. We concur with the court that the evidence is far from clear,” Warigi remarked.
He emphasized the family’s desire for justice for their daughter, which hinges on thorough investigations and appropriate charges. The magistrate scheduled a follow-up for June 2, 2026, for further directions.
Family members, including Oluoch’s father Martin and mother Alice Ofiti, attended the court proceedings and expressed their shock over the investigation’s handling. “My daughter was brutally murdered, and I buried her mutilated body. We have not been informed about what transpired, yet the suspect faces manslaughter charges,” her father lamented, adding that he believed her body had been treated with acid.
Ofiti noted that the family was unaware of their daughter’s relationship with Kiplimo until news of his confession surfaced. Prior to her tragic death, Oluoch had recorded a video celebrating Valentine’s Day, expressing her love for her mother, who had always supported her.
“She cherished our family and was a well-behaved young woman running her own business while preparing to work abroad. I hope justice prevails, even though she is gone forever,” Ofiti concluded.
