Fresh details have emerged surrounding the death of KCB Head of Data Protection Rosemary Kimwatu, with a close friend alleging that she had been going through serious marital struggles before her death.
Kimwatu’s sudden death sparked widespread discussion, with initial reports and social media commentary suggesting that she may have been battling depression and considerable pressure before she died.
However, a woman identified as Ndorobo Ng’ania, who described Kimwatu as her friend, has offered a different account, alleging that problems in her marriage had taken a heavy emotional toll on her.
According to Ng’ania, Kimwatu had left the matrimonial home she shared with her husband, Kevin, and moved into a rented house before her death.
She questioned why Kimwatu would have moved out if everything in the marriage had been well.
“If Chemu was truly happy and safe in her matrimonial home, why did she leave that home for a rented house while remaining committed to her career at KCB Group?” Ng’ania wrote on Facebook.
The friend further alleged that Kimwatu had experienced domestic abuse and accused her husband of attempting to portray their relationship differently following her death.
Ng’ania argued that the circumstances surrounding Kimwatu’s decision to leave her matrimonial home should not be ignored as discussions continue about what she may have been experiencing in the period leading up to her death.
She also used the case to call for greater attention to domestic violence, arguing that women should be able to feel safe and respected in their homes and that allegations of abuse should not be dismissed or sanitised on social media.
Her allegations have, however, been met with a different account from Kimwatu’s family, particularly regarding claims that her workplace may have contributed to the difficulties she faced.
In a statement attributed to Kimwatu’s parents, the family defended KCB Group and praised the institution for supporting their daughter throughout her career.
“We as the parents of Rosemary Koech have no doubts in our minds that KCB accorded Rosemary all the necessary space and support to thrive and be the best she could in her career ladder,” the family said.
Her parents further stated that the bank stood with Rosemary and her family during difficult moments, including during sickness and following her death.
The family also distanced itself from some of the narratives circulating publicly and appealed for privacy as relatives mourn their daughter.
“Whatever narratives are going on does not represent the family stand and we wish to be allowed to mourn our dear child in peace,” the statement read.
The contrasting accounts have fuelled debate over the circumstances surrounding Kimwatu’s final days. While her friend has linked her struggles to alleged problems within her marriage, her family has specifically defended the support she received from her employer.
