Family seeks baby stolen 60 years ago

By Michael Oriedo

For many, this story will read like a tale cut out from a well-crafted novel. However, to Francis Sang and his family, anguish engulfs them every time the sun sets without knowledge of the whereabouts of their sister, Rachel Jerotich, who disappeared 60 years ago.

According to Sang, the mystery began in 1950 when his mother, Sarah Chebet, now 80, left home in Kaplang, Bureti District to attend an initiation ceremony at her parents’ home in Sotik District.

Rachel Jerotich, right, with Kipsenge arap Kauria who allegedly stole her from a hospital. Jerotich’s mother is still looking for her. Photo: Michael Oriendo and Courtesy/Standard

"We did not give it a thought until 2005 when Kipsenge’s relatives came to seek forgiveness," recounts Sang.

Known thieves

According to Sang, they admitted that their brother, who died in 1989, stole Rachel while working in Kericho.

"The family believed Kipsenge’s action had brought a curse upon them and sought forgiveness. They confessed that he had stolen Rachel at Kericho District Hospital from my mother," says Sang.

Though they did not reconcile, Sang says his family requested them to help trace Rachel.

"They told us she was at Awasi in Nyanza. I drove to the area and reported to the assistant chief who helped us in the search. We met a woman who fitted her description but she was not the one," he says.

Mr Stanley Laboso, a relative to Kipsenge says Rachel lived at their home in Sotik District but eloped with a man from Nyanza about 40 years ago.

"We have tried to help Sang’s family locate her but in vain," he says.

Sang says he has visited many parts of Nyanza trying to track his sister.

"I have met several women who claim to be her but I dismiss them after listening to their backgrounds," he says.

In 2008, desperate to find Rachel, the family visited a seer in Kedowa, Kericho who informed them that Rachel was living in Muhoroni.

"I have unsuccessfully combed several villages in Muhoroni," he says.

Sang’s mother, Sarah Chebet, says that she believes her daughter is alive.

"I have never given up. I know she is alive and I am longing for the day I will see her," she says. When Rachel disappeared, 44-year-old Sang was not yet born. However, he says he has to find his elder sister to stop his mother from worrying. During the interview, Sang called a woman who someone had informed him might be Rachel. But after a lengthy conversation, Sang dejectedly informed me that she was not the one.

Sang says their search has been difficult because Rachel does not know she has brothers and sisters.

"We know she has grown old. But wherever she is, we want her to know that she has a family and her mother is alive. We also want to meet her family," he says.