'I was imprisoned for my employer's mistake': Woman narrates

According to Makena, she was three days into the employment, when the KRA and DCI officials raided the store and determined the alcohol she was selling did not have the Kenya Bureau of Standard’s mark of quality.

“My employers were not around and the time and did not bother to avail themselves to the authority or the police station where I was being held. I ended up taking the fall for a crime I did not commit, “she recalled.

Makena’s initial bail was set at 100,000 Ksh but unfortunately, neither she nor her mother could afford it. “ My family had no means of raising the money. The situation at home was so bad, and that’s why I decided to look for work immediately after I completed my KSCE hoping to get my college fee and also help with taking care of my ailing brother who abled differently.”

Unable to raise the money, Makena yielded to hopelessness and remembers accepting her fate – Serve 3 years in a correctional facility.

“ Being imprisoned for a crime I did not commit was humiliating, the first day I landed there I was requested to undress in front of strangers. My days in there were stressful knowing I had left my mother at home with my sick brother yet I was their only hope,” she said.

“While in prison, I started regretting why I got that job, and sometimes I would question God, why he abandoned me, knowing very well how my life was,” she adds.

When the firmly secured doors of the correctional facility were finally opened last month she sighed with relief. According to her, she was in utter disbelief. While exiting the highly guarded facility she was seen off by other inmates who adored her.

Makena vividly recalls when she stepped out of the facility. According to her emotional tears were flowing freely. The union with her loved ones rekindled fond moments and hope that had begun to fade away as days went by.

“When I stepped out of the facility in my civilian clothes, I was scared, yet excited and positive my life will get better. My family and friends ululated with joy and create tears of joy. Getting another chance to embrace my mother was the highlight of the day,” she said.

 Makena’s joyful homecoming was however marked with sad news “ I was informed my brother had passed away while I was incarcerated, knowing that all this happened while I was in prison broke my heart.”

Makena’s homecoming was however marked with some sad news after she was informed of the death of her 20-year-old brother who passed away when she was locked up, due to yet to be established reasons.

Although Makena hopes for a brighter future, she hopes one day she will be able to lift the veil of shame that comes with being in prison.

“I am currently undertaking computer study and I hope to start a catering course once I get the funds.”