The family of Kenyan athlete, Rerimoi Barsitei, being held in a prison in Mexico after receiving an 80-year prison sentence for his alleged involvement in a kidnapping case, have pleaded with the Kenyan government to help push for a review his case for what they said was trial violations and lack of transparency.
Rerimoi moved to Mexico in 2015 hoping to compete in smaller marathon races and earn money to support his family in Kenya. He is the 2020 Culiacán Marathon champion in Mexico.
The family says they have been trying to reach out to the Kenyan Embassy in Washington, DC, to help secure assistance for their son.
Rerimoi’s father, Sammy Chesang said: "I have sent a letter to the Kenyan Embassy in Washington, DC. I would like them to help us and go down there to Mexico, where he is being detained, and help with his repatriation."
Kenyan Ambassador to the United States, David Kerich, acknowledged receipt of the letter.
"This case came to my notice on Monday. I had not been notified before. I have instructed our officers who are currently in Mexico to visit Rerimoi in prison to obtain all the details to enable me to pursue possible avenues of assistance for him. It’s quite an unfortunate situation for this Kenyan," said Mr Kerich.
According to his family, Rerimoi Barsitei was arrested on February 14, 2021, after unknowingly accommodating individuals later identified as criminals. His case has gained significant international media attention over consular assistance and language barriers.
Rerimoi was arrested along with a group of Mexican nationals he was housing. He was subsequently implicated in their alleged kidnapping offences.
Kenyan athlete Rerimoi Barsitei is being held in a prison in Mexico after being jailed for his alleged involvement in a kidnapping case.
Photo credit: Pool
Immigration lawyer and legal expert Blaise Odhiambo points out several alleged trial violations in the case, including police and prosecutorial misconduct.
He also alleges judicial misconduct, arguing that Rerimoi was tried and convicted in Spanish, a language he does not understand.
He says the major concerns include allegations that Rerimoi was denied a fair and impartial trial. The defendant allegedly had neither legal representation nor a translator during his court proceedings.
Blaise states: "Rerimoi needs to get a local lawyer in Mexico who speaks both Spanish and English. He should seek someone with legal expertise in cases involving foreigners in Mexican jails. Part of the challenge for Rerimoi has been that his immediate friends and family in the diaspora have been very secretive about the details of his plight. It is hard to determine the specific details of this case due to this excessive secrecy and lack of transparency."
Speaking to NTV in a 2022 interview, Rerimoi’s father, Sammy Chesang, explained that on the day of his arrest in Mexico, his son had left his house to compete in a road race and left his friends at the house. A
fter the race, the athlete was arrested and implicated in a kidnapping case in which his friends were also implicated.
"He had left the house to his friends and had gone for a racing competition. So his friends involved themselves in criminal activity and, during the raid, he was arrested too and implicated in the case. He was later informed that he was part of a gang that kidnapped someone in Mexico."
In previous interviews with the Daily Nation, Rerimoi’s mother described him as an obedient child who had never been in trouble.
"When my husband informed me of his arrest, I was so shocked that I went down on my knees, praying that nothing bad would happen to him. He was a staunch Christian and would always attend church at the Reformed Church of East Africa."
Kenyan athletics coach Haron Lagat said in Rerimoi’s case, what concerns him the most was the serious allegation that he was denied a translator and legal representation during his trial.
“Every person deserves a fair trial, regardless of where they are. If those rights were denied, the Kenyan government should actively pursue the matter through diplomatic channels and ensure justice is served. It is also deeply concerning that reports indicate some of his co-accused have stated that he was not involved in the criminal activities and did not know what was happening. If there is credible evidence supporting his innocence, then his case deserves an urgent review,” said Mr Lagat.
Lagat added that the Kenyan government should engage with the Mexican authorities to seek a fair reassessment of the evidence and determine whether his conviction should be reconsidered.
"As coaches, we spend years helping athletes represent our country with honour. When one of them finds himself in a difficult legal situation abroad, we also have a responsibility to speak up and advocate for fairness. I respectfully urge the Kenyan government and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to continue engaging with the relevant authorities, provide strong consular support, and do everything within the law to ensure Rerimoi receives justice."
Lagat also said that if there is evidence that Rerimoi was wrongly convicted or denied a fair trial, every effort should be made to secure a review of his case.
"Kenyans representing the country abroad should never feel abandoned. Every citizen deserves the protection, support and voice of their government, especially when questions remain about whether justice was fairly delivered."
He, however, cautioned that athletes should respect the laws of the countries where they compete. He advised them to choose their friends carefully and be vigilant about whom they let into their private circle.
"If something doesn’t feel right, walk away. One poor decision or wrong association can change your life forever. Ask if you don’t know, and have the contact details of the Kenyan consular office in the country where you race in case you need help."
