Man freed after 20 years for murder gets warm welcome in Kakamega

Emotions ran high in Bukhaywa village, Isukha Kaskazini ward, Shinyalu Constituency, on Monday as residents welcomed back 65-year-old Joshua Mboya, who had just completed a 20-year prison sentence for murder.

Mboya, who was released from Kitale Central Prison in Trans Nzoia County, was received with songs, dance, and heartfelt cheers in a rare show of community support. 

The return ceremony was led by Prison Officer Daniel Mambili, who praised the villagers for embracing Mboya with open arms.

“It is not common to see such a warm reception. Many ex-convicts are rejected by their communities, which makes reintegration difficult,” Mambili said as he officially handed Mboya over to his family.

Having been incarcerated since 2005, Mboya said his release marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

“I am grateful to be free and to see my family again. I was arrested in 2005 in March and I thank God for helping me learn my lesson the hard way. Prison has taught me valuable lessons. I am a changed man and I will never commit any offence,” he said, visibly emotional.

Mboya, who now hopes to start a small business, appealed to well-wishers and donors for assistance.

“I need support to get back on my feet and live a dignified life. I also urge young people to avoid crime. Life behind bars is painful and lonely,” he said.

For his wife, Beatrice Mboya, the reunion was bittersweet. 

Holding back tears, she recounted the hardships of raising their children alone. 

“These past 20 years have been tough. But I thank God that he is home safe. We missed him deeply. I maintained my family even in his absenture by raising the kids. I never thought of remarrying because I loved my husband very much despite him committing the offence. I knew he would be free one day,” she shared.

Joshua’s younger brother, Pastor Ruben Shigoli, who also addressed the gathering, called on the community to accept Mboya fully and support his reintegration.

“This is a time for love, not judgment. Let us be his new beginning,” he said.