A woman from Uasin Gishu County is pleading for justice after her husband was brutally killed in Eldoret under disturbing circumstances. The widow, Caroline Cherotich Moi from Kipkenyo, recounted how her husband, Philip Moi, was attacked and burnt alive by individuals she claims are well known to her, including a local leader.
The horrifying incident occurred on April 3, 2025, when a group of armed men allegedly stormed their home and dragged her husband behind the house. Cherotich narrated that one of the attackers set old papers on fire before throwing her husband into the flames. The men then added dry grass to intensify the fire, leaving her husband with severe burns. He was later rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) but succumbed to his injuries.
Cherotich herself was assaulted during the attack and received treatment at MTRH. Following the tragedy, she says another group raided her home, evicted her, and took all her household belongings. They also cut down and sold trees that she and her husband had planted and disposed of her property under the pretext of covering burial expenses. Her husband’s body was later buried in Kericho without her consent.
A postmortem report confirmed that Philip Moi died from severe fire injuries. The widow and her two children have since been rendered homeless after their house was demolished. Cherotich expressed frustration that despite reporting the incident, no one has been arrested, and she continues to face threats from the perpetrators.
Human rights activists have strongly condemned the killing and the slow response from authorities. They decried the growing trend of land disputes in the region, accusing influential individuals of exploiting widows and the poor. Activists called for an independent probe by land fraud and homicide units to ensure accountability.
The Eldoret Social Justice Centre also questioned the actions of security agencies, wondering why emergency responders sent a fire engine instead of an ambulance to the scene. They have demanded swift action and warned against any attempt to cover up the crime.
Police confirmed that an investigation file has been submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which has recommended an inquest to establish the cause of death and identify those responsible. Meanwhile, Cherotich continues to seek justice for her late husband and support for her displaced family.
