The Police announced on January 15, 2024, that all suspects involved in the murder of former acting Masindi district health officer, Dr Jino Abiriga, on January 7, 2024, have been arrested. Police spokesperson Fred Enanga disclosed that the third prime suspect, Joshua Namureng, was apprehended in Bukwo district, marking the completion of the trio involved in the heinous crime.
Namureng is the latest arrest following the capture of Martin Kipsang, also known as Chesebe, and the deceased’s wife, Betty Cherotic. Kipsang, allegedly hired by Cherotic, was tasked with carrying out the murder, and Namureng’s role in the crime has now been confirmed.
Enanga revealed the motive behind the murder, stating that Cherotic initiated the plot upon discovering her husband’s second relationship with Suzan Atuhura in Masindi. The couple had been together since 2019, with a nine-month-old baby, but tension arose due to Abiriga’s additional relationship. The murder plot unfolded after Cherotic’s unsuccessful attempts to harm Atuhura, including setting her house on fire.
On December 11, 2023, Cherotic hired Kipsang for UGX 500,000 to kill her co-wife. However, the first attempt on December 18, 2023, failed when Atuhura did not appear at the expected location. Cherotic then shifted her focus to murdering her husband, accusing him of their firstborn’s death, miscarriage of twins, and alleged verbal abuse. Kipsang was assigned to find another person to assist in the murder.
On January 6, 2024, Kipsang and Namureng executed the mission, attacking Abiriga with a hand hoe stick and a knife while he slept. The suspects cleaned the crime scene, dressed the victim, and disposed of the body 50 meters from his house. The arrested suspects later discarded blood-stained evidence in a pit latrine at Valentine Guest House in Masindi.
All three suspects confessed to their involvement, and tangible exhibits, including hoe handles, shoes of the deceased, blood-stained clothes, and more, were recovered. The Inspector General of Police commended the CID experts for their efforts in gathering evidence swiftly.
The suspects, facing charges of murder and related conspiracies, are scheduled to appear in court. Enanga urged those in toxic relationships to seek assistance before resorting to violence.
