Peter Githinji Kioi, a resident of Kiangothe village in Kirinyaga Central, was met with joy and relief upon his return home after 13 years of imprisonment.
Githinji had been serving a life sentence at King’ong’o Prisons, but he was released after successfully appealing his conviction.
His legal troubles began when his wife accused him of defiling their daughter, a charge that initially led to a 20-year prison term.
“My wife first took me to court on charges of assaulting her,” Githinji explained.
“After my release, she went back to court with a claim that I had defiled our daughter, which resulted in my 20-year sentence.”
Githinji’s plight took a turn for the worse when his appeal against the conviction led to a life sentence.
He recalled, “When they handed me the life sentence, I was devastated. I cried, realizing that my life seemed to be slipping away.”
Yesterday, Githinji returned to his village, greeted warmly by his siblings who welcomed him back with open arms.
However, the homecoming was tinged with sadness as he discovered that his immediate family had largely moved on.
“I’ve been told that my wife disappeared soon after I was jailed.
My two daughters are married now, and my son, Dennis Kioi, is living independently in a rented house near the local shopping center,” Githinji said.
The return was particularly poignant as Githinji learned that his father, Bernard Kioi, had passed away during his imprisonment.
His mother, Jane Wakabari, had also endured hardship, losing one of her hands in an accident while working with hay for her livestock.
Despite these setbacks, Githinji is determined to start anew.
His relatives, including Lydiah Wambura, Julius Kithaka, and Jackline Muthoni, have pledged their support as he begins to rebuild his life.
“I’m ready to begin afresh,” Githinji said resolutely, looking forward to a new chapter after over a decade of incarceration.
