Retired athlete Daniel Komen defends sale of Sh100M land without wife's consent

Retired athlete Daniel Komen has revealed why he chose not to inform his wife, Dr Joyce Kimosop Komen, when he decided to sell their matrimonial land valued at over Sh100 million.

In a case currently being heard in Eldoret, Komen, who is a renowned long-distance runner, defended his decision, asserting that he had no obligation to seek his wife’s consent, as the disputed 220-acre property legally belonged to him.

Komen’s testimony came in response to a lawsuit filed by his wife, who is a senior lecturer at Moi University, alongside other plaintiffs, including renowned athletes Eliud Kipchoge, Brimin Kipruto, Felix Limo, and businessman Peter Sang.

The dispute centres around the ownership of the property located in the southeastern outskirts of Eldoret Municipality, in Uasin Gishu County.

The retired athlete explained that he had purchased the land more than two decades ago from prominent farmer Kwambai Chesire, using money earned from international competitions, as well as a loan from a local bank.

He firmly stated in court, “Your Honour, I acquired the property through my hard work. I did not see the need to inform or seek consent from my wife about the intention of selling the 220 prime acres of land.”

Komen maintained that while his wife had contributed to the management of the land, she had no right to demand approval over its sale.

This statement sparked some reaction in the courtroom, with the athlete causing some amusement when he boldly declared that he would not apologise for his decision.

He added, “I want to make it very clear that Joyce is still my legal wife and the mother of my children, but I don’t agree with her forcing me to beg or make a formal appeal before I can sell my property. No, that cannot happen.”

Further testifying, Komen revealed that he had sold the majority of the 220-acre land to Kipchoge, Kipruto, Limo, and Sang, with the latter three purchasing portions of the land.

Komen disclosed that 120 acres were sold to Kipchoge and Kipruto, 50 acres to Limo, and 20 acres to Sang, totalling 190 acres.

He explained that the deal was straightforward, without any issues, until his wife initiated legal action.

Despite the dispute, Komen insisted he had tried to settle the matter amicably with his wife.

He mentioned that he had made several attempts to resolve the issue outside of court, offering mediation, but his wife rejected the proposal and chose to pursue the case in court instead.

The athlete further clarified that, after the sales, he retained 30 acres of the original 220-acre land, which he intends to keep.

He asked the court, “Personally, I really tried to convince my wife to settle the matter outside the court, but she refused mediation. If you were in my shoes, what decision would you have made?”