Governor Wambora, Senator Sonko among Kenyans willing to bail jailed 100-year-old Embu granny

Margaret Ngima, a 100-years-granny serving a three month jail term for contempt of court at Embu prison assisted by a welfare officer Thursday. PHOTO: JOSEPH MUCHIRI/STANDARD

EMBU: Kenyans Thursday reacted angrily to the news that a 100-year-old granny has been jailed at the Embu Women Prison for failing to raise a Sh100,000 fine after she was convicted of contempt of court.

Margaret Ngima's plight was highlighted in an exclusive story carried in The Standard on Thursday, which revealed the loneliness the granny is undergoing at the correctional facility.

Kenyans' outrage was further heightened by realisation that she was jailed for three months for failing to raise a Sh100,000 fine whereas well-connected individuals implicated in multimillion shilling rip-offs were left scot-free.

Kenyans empathised with granny for her advanced age while others expressed desire to help pay the amount to set her free.

PLEDGE TO HELP

Among those who expressed their desire to help were Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko and Embu Governor Martin Wambora who pledged to pay the fine.

Wambora confirmed to The Standard that he had instructed his advocate Wairimu Rugatia to do all the processing and documentations pertaining to the case and he would pay her fine immediately.

"It is very sad for such a granny to be jailed. I have decided to pay the fine from my personal finances," he said.

Other Kenyans who read the story also sought for an MPESA or bank account number in which they could contribute to assist the woman.

Kenyans of goodwill who want to assist granny Ngima can reach her son Patrick Mbogo Gakoromo on 0726326888.

Some of the reactions posted on social media platform, Facebook, were fast and furious:

James Njogu wondered: "Why jail her when we have so many criminals walking around free?"

MORE COMMENTS

Other comments were comical but still expressed the exasperation Kenyans feel at the incidence.

Wrote Moroga's Senior: "She already served her jail term by living in Kenya.  Kenya is a jail to most of the poor people... she is worth forgiveness if there is anything like that in Kenya"

Hon Mugz Eddie expressed similar sentiments when he satirically posted: " I don't know whether to carry my Kenyan ID on judgment day to prove that I have been already through hell!"

Another Kenyan Lucy Mbugua urged Kenyans on social media to join hands and raise the Sh100,000 to have the granny released.

"With all the people making comments here, Sh20 each we will hit the target and get the granny home. Who is with me?" she posted.

Others felt that due to her age, she could have been placed under house arrest or old people's homes, likening her incarceration at a prison to jailing a one-year-old child.

Echegem Okia was of the view that judge should have considered her advanced age or even her mental situation and may be should have first taken her to a psychiatrist for mental checkup.