Songs and dances rendered the air at Gachuhi village in Lare ward of Njoro Constituency in Nakuru County on October 29th 2022 as John Ndegwa Macharia returned to his family after spending 12 years in Prison.
In 2010, John Ndegwa Macharia, 52, was convicted of rape and sentenced to 18-year jail term, of which he pleaded with the court and the term was reduced to 12 years.
He began serving his term at the Nakuru GK Prison when he was around 40 years after several unsuccessful appeals at the Nakuru Law courts.
The father of two who could not hide the joy of being free narrated to this writer how the court process derailed the family’s financial muscles.
The ex-convict revealing that he got born again while in prison and started spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to his fellow inmates.
In addition, he acquired several certificates after undergoing trainings in various fields while at the prison.
“It has been a tough experience in Prison but I also thank God that it has shaped me after several trainings” he said.
The ex-convict who left home when her children were still young is grateful to his wife Ms Rabecah Wanjiku Kamau who took over the responsibility while he was in prison.
According to the wife, life was not easy as she had to struggle to ensure her children are in school.
She added that during the time her husband was in prison, she faced several challenges among them stigma from a section of society members.
However, this did not deter her effort in taking care of the family and ensuring everything is okay.
Her effort saw her built a magnificent house.
“People talked a lot when my husband was jailed but I kept on praying and working hard” she said.
The news of John Ndegwa Macharia returning to the community was well received received by neighbours in the village.
Led by Pastor James Ndegwa who is also Macharia’s eldest brother, they called on the society not to stigmatize those who return back to the society after serving jail term but rather embrace them.
“We are very happy that our brother is back. We have welcomed him and we urge everyone in the society to embrace ex-convicts when they return to the society” said Ndegwa.