A Trans Nzoia family is desperate for answers after a 53-year-old woman disappeared from her home without a trace, leaving behind only a cryptic text message and a missing firearm.
Lilly Cherono Kimtai was last seen at her residence in the Cherangany area of Trans Nzoia County approximately 12 days ago.
Her husband, Michael Kimtai, a retired police officer, says he is deeply worried about her safety and cannot rule out foul play.
Lilly Cherono’s text message that started the alarm
At around 1.30 pm on the day she went missing, Michael received a text from Lilly while he was in Nairobi undergoing medical tests.
The message caught him off guard because the two had never discussed anything of the sort before his trip.
“I’m leaving tomorrow; I just want a break from you. Naenda Mombasa Kesho,” the message read.
Believing he may have upset her by travelling for treatment, Michael wrote back with an apology, unaware that his wife would soon be unreachable. “I am sorry if I have wronged you by being in Nairobi for medical, kindly let me heal first. I can’t travel with this pain. If you leave, our things will be stolen,” he replied.
Shortly after that exchange, Lilly’s phone went off and has remained so ever since.
Gun also missing from locked house
The following day, a farm worker was dispatched to check on the property. He found the house locked from outside.
Upon gaining entry, the family discovered that Michael’s firearm and its case were both gone. Michael says he suspects something more sinister than a voluntary departure.
“I’m suspecting there was somebody or some people who came, abducted her from the house or hijacked her from the house, and they forced her to give them money or give them the gun,” he said.
He has since reported both the missing person case and the missing firearm to the police high command, appealing for urgent assistance.
The family is now calling on investigators in Cherangany to accelerate their efforts so that Lilly can be found as soon as possible. Police in the area have confirmed they are looking into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
