Police in Bomet County have launched investigations into the death of a prison warder, Abigael Chepkemoi, whose body was discovered inside her house in Sotik town on Friday, July 24.
Sotik Sub-County Police Commander Sammy Choge confirmed that detectives and scene-of-crime officers had visited the house and collected exhibits as part of the ongoing investigation. He said preliminary findings point to a suspected love triangle, though he cautioned that the exact circumstances of her death were yet to be established. Choge assured the public that fuller details would be released once investigations were complete.
The deceased, who was stationed at Sotik Prison, had her body moved to Kaplong Mission Hospital Mortuary, where it will be preserved pending a post-mortem examination expected to shed light on the cause of death.
News of the killing has left residents of Sotik shaken, with police appealing to members of the public who may have information to come forward and assist detectives piece together the events leading to Chepkemoi’s death.
The case has also reignited concern over gender-based violence and femicide in Bomet County. Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, reacting to the death, said losing a young officer over what he called minor domestic disputes was deeply troubling, and called for greater protection of young people alongside justice for whoever was responsible.
Sigei’s remarks echo a wider pattern of concern raised by leaders in the region, with Bomet frequently named alongside Homa Bay and Kericho counties as among those recording high numbers of gender-based violence and femicide cases.
Chepkemoi’s death adds to a string of recent cases involving the killing of public service personnel that have drawn national attention. Earlier this month, a Kirinyaga Administration Police officer was involved in a suspected murder-suicide, while investigations into the death of a Kenya Wildlife Service officer found dead in Nakuru National Park in June ruled out earlier claims of suicide.
Police have not named any suspects in connection with Chepkemoi’s death, and investigations remain ongoing. Authorities say further updates will be issued once detectives conclude their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding her killing.
