Fresh details have emerged following the murder of acting Masindi district health officer Dr. Jino Abiriga. The widow, Betty Cherotich, has appeared before Masindi Grade One Magistrate Selsa Biwanga to record an extrajudicial statement. The murder, which occurred on January 7, 2024, led to the arrest of Cherotich and three of Abiriga’s children on the same day after blood stains were discovered in Abiriga’s house in Kijura North Central Division, Masindi Municipality.
An extrajudicial statement is an utterance made out-of-court, either written or oral, which includes a confession, admission, or other statement against the interest of the maker. Abiriga’s body was found about 50 meters away from his home with deep cuts on the neck, back, and abdomen.
Cherotich was brought before Magistrate Biwanga on the evening of January 12, 2024, amid tight security to prevent public interference. The media was also barred from the court proceedings. Sources suggest that Cherotich has allegedly confessed to her participation in the heinous act.
A joint security team also arrested Martin Kipsanga Aka Chesebe in Bukwo district on Thursday, January 12, 2024, who was reportedly hired to carry out the act. The late Abiriga is scheduled to be buried on Friday in Tumvia Village, Ofude parish, Tara sub-county in Maracha district.
Police have released the late Abiriga’s children, who had been arrested in connection with their father’s death. The three minors were cleared of any involvement in their father’s death and were released to participate in their father’s burial. Cherotich and her two biological children, who were found cleaning the blood in the deceased’s house, remain in police custody for further interrogation.
Albertine Police Region spokesperson Julius Allan Hakiza stated that the case file would be sent to the resident state attorney for legal advice, and the suspects would be taken to court once the file is sanctioned.
