What began as an ordinary afternoon for a young Nakuru-based businessman ended in tragedy after he vanished following a series of mysterious phone calls, only for his body to be found a week later near Lake Elementaita.
The death of 30-year-old Kenneth Toroitich Kiplabat has left his family, friends and the wider Baringo community demanding answers as detectives investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and killing.
Mr Kiplabat, the chief executive officer of Ceenet Technologies, was reported missing on May 20, 2026 after leaving his home in Milimani, Nakuru County, shortly after lunch.
Kenneth Toroitoch Kiplabat, who went missing on May 20, 2026, only for his body to be found a week later in Gilgil.
Photo credit: Pool
According to family members and close associates, he had spent part of the day at a sauna in Kabarak before returning home. However, those who interacted with him that afternoon said he appeared distracted as he received several calls from unknown numbers.
Moments later, he left the house hurriedly and never returned. This would be the last time he was seen alive.
A week later, on May 28, his body was found near Lake Elementaita in Gilgil, more than 40 kilometres from where his vehicle had earlier been discovered abandoned, deepening the mystery surrounding his death.
Mr Kiplabat had built a reputation as a hardworking entrepreneur dealing in laptops, computers and other electronic accessories through businesses operating in Nakuru and Kakamega counties.
Kenneth Toroitoch Kiplabat, who went missing on May 20, 2026, only for his body to be found a week later in Gilgil.
Photo credit: Pool
According to his close friend and business partner, Mr Nicholas Keror, concern began mounting when Mr Kiplabat failed to return home on the evening of May 20.
“He left home shortly after lunch and never came back. We tried calling him repeatedly after reports that he was not in Nakuru or Kakamega where he operated his businesses...his phone had been switched off. It was unlike him,” said Mr Keror.
Friends, relatives and employees began a frantic search across Nakuru and Kakamega, but their efforts yielded no leads.
“While taking lunch, it's reported that he kept receiving calls and making other calls. Shortly afterwards, he left in a hurry. It appeared someone had summoned him, but we do not know who,” he said.
As days passed without communication, family members circulated missing person posters across social media platforms in a desperate effort to trace him.
Their fears deepened on May 23 after receiving information that his vehicle was abandoned at Kapkures Shopping Centre on the outskirts of Nakuru.
“When we arrived at the shopping centre, we found that it had already been towed to Kaptembwo Police Station after members of the public raised concern as the car had been abandoned there for several days,” said Mr Keror.
It was at the police station that the family formally reported him missing and began working with investigators.
Days later, the search took a devastating turn.
Mr Keror said he received a photo from a relative showing the lower section of a body recovered in Gilgil.
“The body was only visible from the waist down and had only an undergarment on. When I looked closely at the legs, I suspected it was Kenneth because we had been very close friends for many years,” he said.
He travelled from Marigat to Nakuru and later accompanied detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to the Gilgil Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where the body had been booked as that of an unidentified person. There, family members made the heartbreaking confirmation that the body belonged to the missing businessman.
According to Mr Keror, the body bore visible signs of violence, including injuries to the head, marks on the neck consistent with strangulation and burns that raised suspicion that a corrosive substance may have been used.
The body had reportedly been discovered by members of the public a few metres from the roadside near Lake Elementaita.
A post-mortem examination later established that Mr Kiplabat died from severe head injuries and strangulation. It also revealed a blood clot in the brain caused by blunt-force trauma.
“The autopsy report indicated that he suffered a serious head injury before being strangled. We are struggling to understand who could have done this and why,” said Mr Keror.
He described hiws business partner as a humble and determined businessman who had transformed a small technology venture into a growing enterprise.
“Kenneth founded Ceenet Technologies six years ago in Kakamega and had recently expanded to Nakuru. He was friendly, ambitious and focused on building his future. His death has shocked everyone,” he said.
William Chepkerio, the father of slain Nakuru businessman Kenneth Toroitich Kiplabat.
Photo credit: Florah Koech | Nation Media Group
Back in Koriema village in Baringo South, grief engulfed the family home as mourners streamed in to console relatives.
His father, Mr William Chepkerio, recalled seeing his son for the last time on May 15 when he visited the village and took him to Eldoret for a medical check-up.
“He came home on May 15 and took me to Eldoret for a medical check-up before returning to Nakuru. That was the last time I saw him,” he said.
Fighting back tears, the distraught father described his first-born son as the family’s pillar and provider.
“He supported his siblings, most of whom are still in school, and was taking care of his young family. We are devastated and asking why anyone would subject him to such cruelty,” he said.
“My son worked hard to build his businesses and support others. We want those responsible for his death identified and brought to justice,” he said.
Josephine Cheboi, the mother of the slain Nakuru businessman Kenneth Toroitich Kiplabat.
Photo credit: Florah Koech | Nation Media Group
His mother, Ms Josephine Cheboi, said the family had remained hopeful throughout the search.
“When we heard he was missing, we prayed and hoped he would be found safe. Instead, we received the devastating news that his body had been been found. The pain is unimaginable,” she said.
“I am in so much pain and have many unanswered questions about why my son had to be tortured and murdered in such a manner. We just want justice because the pain is too much to bear.”
