Ex-athletes Cherop, Bowen locked in bitter dispute over multi-million shilling properties
The property dispute is now before Justice Reuben Nyakundi at the High Court. The assets in question include land in Kaptagat/Kaptagat Block 3 (Misoi) 622, where their matrimonial home sits.
Former Boston marathon winner Sharon Cherop is currently fighting a tough legal battle against her ex-husband, Mathew Bowen, over the ownership of several valuable properties and a cosmetics business after their divorce last year.
The couple ended their marriage in October 2024 following a divorce petition filed by Cherop in Eldoret Principal Magistrate Peter Ireri’s court.
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Cherop accused Bowen of infidelity, cruelty, absenteeism, and violence. The court declared their marriage irretrievable and granted the divorce. They have four children, who are now under Cherop’s care.
The property dispute is now before Justice Reuben Nyakundi at the High Court. The assets in question include land in Kaptagat/Kaptagat Block 3 (Misoi) 622, where their matrimonial home sits.
This property is valued at about Sh34 million and is located in Kipkorgot along the Eldoret-Ravine highway. Another contested piece of land is in Uasin Gishu/Kimumu Settlement Scheme 4994, estimated to be worth Sh40 million.
Also part of the disagreement is a rental property near the University of Eldoret on the Eldoret-Ziwa road, which earns a monthly rent of Sh260,000.
The couple also disputes ownership of Beauty Smile and Cosmetics, a business in Eldoret town valued at Sh5 million.
Bowen, now working as an athletics coach in the United States, insists that he purchased and developed the properties independently.
He alleges that Cherop unlawfully registered the matrimonial home under her name and used court orders to evict him.
“I purchased and developed the aforesaid properties before 2024 and also set up a business known as Beauty Smile and Cosmetics in Eldoret town, which is worth Sh15 million and is currently being run by my former wife,” Bowen told the court.
He also accused Cherop of breaching a court order by instructing tenants to pay rent into her account instead of their joint bank account.
Bowen is asking the court to divide the assets according to each person’s contributions, suggesting Cherop should receive one-quarter and he should retain three-quarters.
Cherop, on the other hand, said she bought and improved the properties with money she earned from competing in athletics both locally and internationally.
“I was able to acquire and develop the properties, including the matrimonial home, during my active life in athletics. I used my finances on the acquisition,” she said.
The two were married in 2008. Cherop described how Bowen’s violent behaviour made their marriage impossible to continue, forcing her to seek restraining orders for her protection and that of their children.
She has asked the court to divide the assets fairly, based on their individual contributions or as the court sees fit. “I face the danger of losing all my past investment should my ex-husband retain the sole occupation, possession or control of the said properties which were acquired by my sole efforts,” she said.
“If not for my financial position, the suit properties would not have been acquired, as I solely contributed to their acquisition and also development,” Cherop added.
The case is scheduled for a further hearing on September 16, 2025.
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