Ex-Soldier on the Run After Brutal Attack on Estranged Wife in Uasin Gishu Over Multi-Million Property Dispute
“Esther, a senior official with the Uasin Gishu County Government, was targeted by her husband after her legal action to safeguard the family’s property”
Eldoret Ardhi House – Image Courtesy of eRegulations Kenya
Security officers in Uasin Gishu County are intensifying their efforts to locate a former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier, David Muigei, accused of physically assaulting his estranged wife, Esther Muigei, during a dispute over a high-value family property. The alleged assault reportedly occurred at the Eldoret Land Registrar’s office, where Esther had gone to file a caution to prevent the unauthorized sale of their multi-million-shilling land.
According to witnesses, Esther, a senior official with the Uasin Gishu County Government, was targeted by her husband after her legal action to safeguard the family’s property angered him. Reports suggest that David followed her to the registrar’s office and, upon finding her, confronted her in a violent manner. The attack allegedly left Esther with serious injuries that required urgent medical attention.
Recounting her ordeal to the media after filing a police report, Esther stated, “As I was leaving the land registrar’s office, my husband attacked me, kicking me on the cheek and other parts of my body. I fell unconscious, bleeding heavily from my face, before members of the public intervened and rushed me to a private hospital for emergency care.”
Esther explained that her estranged husband had been attempting to sell their prime land in the Ziwa area without consulting her or obtaining her consent, prompting her to act swiftly by filing a legal caveat to stop any transactions involving the property.
The Officer Commanding Turbo Police Station (OCPD), Patrick Wekesa, confirmed the incident, stating that a comprehensive investigation has been launched. “The complainant, who is the estranged wife of the former soldier, reported the assault at the central police station, and her statement has been formally documented. Police detectives have since been mobilized to locate and apprehend the suspect,” Wekesa said.
He added that officers are currently in the process of recording statements from key witnesses who were present at the scene of the incident. The attack, which occurred on January 6, has sparked public outrage, with many calling for swift justice to be served.
Investigations indicate that the former soldier went into hiding immediately after the assault, switching off his phone to evade capture. Police suspect that he may have left the area upon realizing that a team of detectives was closing in on him. “We believe it is just a matter of time before we catch up with the suspect. He must answer for his actions,” Wekesa assured.
This troubling case has drawn attention to domestic disputes involving property rights, particularly in cases where one spouse seeks to exclude the other from critical decisions affecting family assets. Legal experts have highlighted the importance of addressing such disputes through lawful channels, urging affected parties to seek mediation or court intervention rather than resorting to violence.
Meanwhile, Esther is recovering from her injuries and has expressed gratitude to the members of the public who came to her aid during the assault. “I am deeply shaken by the incident, but I am grateful for the kindness of strangers who stepped in to save my life and ensure I received medical attention,” she said.
The authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the suspect is brought to justice, emphasizing the need for a fair legal process. The case has also reignited discussions on the broader issue of domestic violence and the steps needed to protect victims while holding perpetrators accountable.
About Author
