Court rules missing wife dead

Kiprop further explained that prior to her disappearance, his wife had been sick. [Courtesy]

A court has declared a woman who went missing seven years ago be presumed dead.

Justice Olga Sewe sitting in Eldoret allowed an application by Paul Komen Kirop that his wife Milka Jepkosgei Komen be presumed dead and a Certificate of Death be issued.

Kiprop told the judge, in his supporting affidavit, that Jepkosgei, a teacher, disappeared without trace on January 20, 2011.

He told the court that on the material day, at around 5am, Jepkosgei left town to perform undisclosed business.

“In the course of that day, she sent Sh1,080 to the house girl without instructions, after which her phone was switched off,” he stated in his affidavit. 

Kiprop then took the initiative of searching for her without success. 

He said he found a note in his coat which read: "Find these documents in your coat." He found her identity card and an ATM card, which he produced before court. 

He decided to report the matter to the police.

Kiprop further explained that prior to her disappearance, his wife had been sick. 

The court said that the applicant had demonstrated that all efforts to trace his missing wife have been futile.