No home to return to for woman after 25 years in prison

A woman who was set free after 25 years at Embu Women's Prison is facing an uncertain future after her family declined to receive her back home. Agnes Ngeti, originally from Machanga in Mbeere South, walked out of prison this week after completing a sentence for an offence committed in 2000. Instead of reuniting with her relatives, however, Ngeti will temporarily relocate to an elderly care home in Kirinyaga County as authorities work to reconcile her with her family. Prison welfare officer Naomi Ndwiga said the decision by Ngeti's family is largely linked to concerns stemming from her past mental health struggles and the circumstances surrounding her conviction. She noted that the prison had invested years in rehabilitating and medically treating Ngeti in preparation for her return to society. "We have worked with her for many years through structured rehabilitation programmes, medical care, and counselling. She has shown remarkable transformation and is stable and ready to reintegrate into society," Ndwiga said. According to prison officials, the arrangement with the elderly home is temporary while efforts continue to engage her relatives and rebuild trust. Ndwiga also appealed to the public to give former inmates a chance to start afresh after serving their sentences. "Reintegration is a shared responsibility. When communities reject those who have already paid their debt to society, it becomes difficult for them to rebuild their lives," she added. Speaking after regaining her freedom, Ngeti expressed remorse over the offence that led to her imprisonment when she was 31 years old. Now in her mid-50s, she says the years in prison changed her outlook on life. "I deeply regret what happened. I am not the same person I was 25 years ago. Prison gave me time to reflect, learn and change," she said. During her incarceration, Ngeti participated in various rehabilitation programmes including counselling, spiritual mentorship and vocational training. She says she gained skills such as knitting and hopes to use them to rebuild her life. Jane Nyaga, the officer in charge of chaplaincy services at Embu Women's Prison, recalled that Ngeti initially struggled with violent behaviour when she first arrived at the facility. "Through consistent counselling, spiritual guidance and rehabilitation programmes, we saw a complete transformation. She became calm, cooperative and able to handle responsibilities within the prison environment," Nyaga said. Nyaga urged religious leaders and community elders to help bridge the gap between former inmates and their families, emphasising that acceptance is crucial for successful reintegration. "Society must understand that people can change. When we reject those who have served their sentences and undergone professional rehabilitation, we deny them the chance to live meaningful lives," she said. As Ngeti begins life beyond prison walls, her journey underscores a difficult reality faced by many former inmates, where freedom does not always guarantee acceptance back into society.

No home to return to for woman after 25 years in prison

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