Ex-convict rejects cleansing rituals

By Robert Wanyonyi

A former death-row convict released from Kamiti Prison ten days ago has rejected Bukusu cleansing rites to accept him back in society.

In rejecting the rituals, Mr Robert Masibai, 65, told The Standard that he was a born-again Christian and could not undergo ‘ungodly’ rituals.

"I am a saved man now. My three daughters and sister in the US have supported my stand on the rituals," said Masibai.

The move by Masibai, who is living in Bungoma town with his uncle, Mr Fred Martin Khaukha, has put him on a collision course with Bukusu elders, who maintain he has to undergo the rituals.

Denied entry

When he went back to his home in Lwandanyi on May 28, two days after his release, villagers blocked Masibai from entering the homestead.

A Bukusu elder, Mr Joshua Nalume, 85, insisted that Masibai could run but not hide, and eventually he will have to undergo the rituals.

"Let him stay in Bungoma town, but if he wants to visit his kin on the farm, he has to undergo the rituals," said Nalume.

Khaukha, who is also a born again Christian, says he will not allow the elders into his house to perform the rituals.

Masibai was sentenced to death for killing a friend in Kisumu. He waited for four years but, to his surprise, former President Moi reduced his sentence to life imprisonment.

After his release, he indicated that he would like to fulfil a wish — to meet the retired President.

"I want to meet the former President, who I now regard as my father, to thank him for giving me back my life and also advise me how to begin my life afresh," he noted.

He told fellow villagers on his return: "Accept me in your midst as I am not a criminal. I have prayed to God to forgive me for what I did in anger and I am now saved and I will preach the word of God."

Welcomed by chief

The villagers, however, could not allow Masibai to his former home and instead directed him to the chief’s office.

On hand to receive him was local Chief David Chebunde. From the chief’s office, Masibai was told to go to Bungoma and await the rituals, which he has rejected.

Masibai’s wife, Chausiku, and his parents died when he was in jail. His three daughters, Jennifer, Dorothy and Irene, live in the US with his sister Elizabeth.