Woman withdraws assault suit against Kemboi

Ann Njeri Otieno when she appeared at the Eldoret law courts on October 23, 2012 for the hearing of a case in which she accused 3,000m Steeplechase Olympic Champion Ezekiel Kemboi Kemboi of assaulting and causing her bodily harm. Njeri withdrew the case saying she wanted to concentrate on her studies. PHOTO / JARED NYATAYA

A woman has withdrawn assault charges against Olympic 3, 000m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi at an Eldoret court on Tuesday.

Ms Ann Njeri Otieno, who was allegedly stabbed by the track star in June this year, told the court during the first hearing of the case that she did not wish to continue with the case.

She said that she is pursuing a degree in journalism and court proceedings were seriously affecting her classwork.

“I want to continue with my studies and don’t want to be affected by the proceedings of the case. I have since forgiven Mr Kemboi and would like to withdraw the case,” Ms Njeri told Eldoret Principal Magistrate Francis Kyambia.

Ms Njeri also refuted claims that she had been bribed by the athlete to withdraw the matter.

Mr Kemboi, who was in court, rushed to his car and sped off as soon as the case was heard, avoiding journalists who were waiting outside.

He faced the charge of assaulting Ms Njeri on June 27 in Eldoret by stabbing her and causing actual bodily harm after a night of drinking spree at an entertainment joint.

The star athlete, who bagged a gold medal for Kenya in 3, 000m steeplechase during the July summer Olympics in London denied the charges and was released on Sh 50, 000 bond and a cash bail of Sh 20, 000.

The incident took place barely weeks before the start of the Olympics and almost cost Mr Kemboi his place in the Kenyan team.

Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko had recalled Mr Kemboi’s file to review and make additional charges for the track star. Ms Njeri wanted to include indecent act and sexual offence to the original charges.

The DPP was set to give directions on the matter on Tuesday before Ms Njeri decided to withdraw the matter.

Ms Njeri said that before the incident, the two were watching quarter final match of the 2012 Euro Cup between Spain and Portugal. A scuffle ensued after she declined Mr Kemboi’s sexual advances and the champion allegedly stabbed her on the chest.