Missing Eldoret pastor traced to a Nairobi bar

By Ramadhan Rajab

A pastor from Eldoret who disappeared two years ago has been traced to Nairobi alive and well but taking a path different from her earlier calling.

Silvia Leboi, who once saw the light and walked in its brightness as pastor with Eldoret’s Baptist Church, now works under flashing neon lights in a bar in Nairobi’s Langata area.

The April 1 edition of The Standard’s CCI investigative pullout may have appeared like a Fools’ Day prank for those who knew Silvia’s present labours. Her husband, John Leboi, had shared the story of her disappearance with the magazine, Without A Trace series, which has helped reunite several families.

How CCI reported the story last week

"My kids are okay under his care and they go to school contrary to what he told you people," Silvia said in response to the claim she had neglected her three children.

"Andika vile unataka ama vile amewaambia" (you may write as you please, or as he instructs you) she said before striding away.

Silvia said Leboi was capitalising on her absence to portray her in bad light. She did not indicate if and when she would be returning to see her children, or even her career change.

In Eldoret, Leboi received news of Silvia’s discovery with relief. But he denies that they had separated and called on the church to help reunite with his wife, whom he describes as "very religious."

Divorce claims

"I do not know who led her to sin, this is a shame to the work of God and she should be brought back home even if it’s by force," Leboi said.

On the claims of divorce, Leboi invited Silvia to repeat her claims before him, their children and his in-laws.

Customary rites

"Everyone who knows me can attest to the anguish I have endured with the children, we were married for more than 10 years before she left," he said.

The couple, according to Leboi, were married through the Kalenjin customary rites and witnessed by their parents in Eldoret and that they hadplanned a church wedding after her Nairobi mission.

‘The Standard’ reporter Rajab Ramadhan (left) with Silvia Leboi last week. Photo: Courtesy and Maxwell Agwanda/Standard

"I still keep most of her valuables including her theology certificates. It’s very painful considering how I struggled to see her through college," Leboi said.

For now, Leboi is relieved that his wife is alive and well, and remains optimistic that she shall return to him and their three children.

But Silvia remained tight-lipped on her future plans.