Womans claim haunts man for 14 years
Posted by African Press International on August 9, 2008
By Beatrice Obwocha
Josephat Kabutiei is 42-years-old and a bachelor.
Being a bachelor is not by choice and he vows to remain so until he is cleared of allegations made against him by a woman 14 years ago.
The bespectacled soft-spoken biology and agriculture teacher at Athinai Secondary School in Mogotio, says he is a devoted Christian and a member of the African Inland Church (AIC).
He claims in 1994, a woman, Ms Mary Baimet alleged that they were engaged in a sexual relationship that led to a break up with her fianc.
“I have not been able to worship in any church since or settle, get into a relationship with a woman, and marry. This issue has weighed heavily on my heart,” he says.
Kabutiei says he was a member of AIC Koiserat in Kabarnet, Baringo District and the allegations against him spread among the congregation and village like bushfire.
“Since then I have never been the same again because I was mocked by villagers and became a laughing stock,” he says.
He says he reported the matter to the church so he could be cleared, but did not get the desirable feedback.
Kabutieis quest to clear his name has seen him write to the churchs highest office, the Attorney General, former President Moi, and even filed a suit in court to achieve the goal, but he has not been successful.
The case was referred to the Church Council Youth Leaders and adjudicated by the Reverend Zachariah Chirchir.
He says Chirchir presided over the dispute and Baimet admitted she was in the wrong and asked for forgiveness.
Kabutiei said he wanted his name to be cleared before the church because he felt that way, doubts about him as a committed Christian would be eliminated.
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API/Source.standard.ke
