The family of a teacher in Bomet County is grappling with a double tragedy following the confirmation that the late Beatrice Chepkemoi, who passed away under troubling circumstances last month, was expecting a child at the time of her death.
Ms Chepkemoi, 31, a teacher at Kamureito Secondary School, was found deceased in her home at Kapchepkosiom village in Sotik constituency on April 21. Bomet County Police Commander Edward Imbwaga confirmed the incident, which is currently under investigation.
A postmortem examination revealed that Ms Chepkemoi suffered multiple injuries, including internal bleeding and trauma, and also confirmed her pregnancy. Her family described the loss as painful and called for justice.
The primary suspect, Mr Peter Ngeno, who is believed to be her husband, is currently in custody after surrendering to police in Kericho County. Authorities are awaiting the outcome of a mental health assessment to determine if he is fit to stand trial.
It is alleged that the incident occurred while the couple’s two children, aged nine and six, were asleep in a nearby room. The children were reportedly unaware of the events until neighbors arrived the next morning.
According to area Assistant Chief Leonard Chirchir, neighbors responded after hearing a distress call, but by the time they gained entry into the house, Ms Chepkemoi had already passed on.
Family members say the couple had been experiencing marital difficulties, and Ms Chepkemoi had temporarily moved back to her parents’ home late last year. Despite efforts at reconciliation, the issues reportedly persisted.
Ms Chepkemoi had recently taken a loan to build a kitchen at their home, but her plans were tragically cut short. Her family shared that she had spoken to her mother the day she died and had promised to send money for a family gathering.
Her funeral was held on April 29 at Kapsimotwo village, where teachers, friends, and local leaders came together to honor her memory and call for accountability.
“We are not seeking revenge, but we need justice,” said her mother, Ms Esther Sang.
Officials from teachers’ unions, including KUPPET and KNUT, urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to expedite the case. They noted that there were previous concerns raised over gender-based violence in the household.
Bomet County officials have also expressed concern over increasing cases of domestic violence and femicide, calling for greater community engagement to resolve conflicts and support families in crisis.
