Kenyan athlete Joan Rotich has finally opened up about her painful experience after losing property worth Sh11 million to her boyfriend. The long-distance runner, who recently went viral on social media, spoke to Nation Africa, revealing how the man she trusted with her hard-earned money disappeared without a trace.
Rotich says she earned millions from international races but now has nothing to show for it. “I pocketed more than Sh7 million from these races, but my boyfriend took everything,” she said, fighting back tears.
According to Rotich, she met her boyfriend in 2013 and entrusted him with her savings from various competitions. She claims to have sent him large sums of money to invest on her behalf.
In 2015, she wired Sh2 million to him to buy a tour van and later added Sh650,000 in 2017 for another van. She also contributed nearly Sh1 million to build a house, believing they would live in it together.
However, things took a turn in 2020 when Rotich asked for the logbooks of the vehicles and to see the house. Her boyfriend cut off communication, leaving her heartbroken and financially drained.
She reported the matter to Ngong Police Station (OB Number 73/31/1/2025) and is seeking justice. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
Rotich has also reached out to Athletics Kenya’s gender office and Athletes Welfare Initiative – Kenya for help. She warns fellow athletes to be careful when handling their finances.
Her story serves as a wake-up call to young athletes about trusting the wrong people with their money.
By Nairobi