When Esther Wangui, 32, stepped out of a Nakuru GK Prison bus on Friday afternoon, inhaled the warm air of Wanyororo in Nakuru and walked on the brown dusty ground, she knew she was free.
The five-year wait was over for the mother of two, convicted at Nakuru Women GK Prison, for aiding a gang rape crime. Her grandmother was the first to greet her near the gate. They cried tears of joy as they held each other tightly.
The welcome ceremony was graced by friends, family, neighbours, Nakuru Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti, the officer in charge of women's prison Mary Muhoro and probation officers.
After 30 minutes of crying and singing celebration songs, Wangui who was overwhelmed with joy settled down, taking all the emotions of the love she had been shown since Thursday.
"I am very happy and I cannot explain. I was an outcast when I was convicted and no one wanted me. But now I feel the love from my family, friends and even the authorities," Wangui told The Nairobian.
Start life anew
When she recalled how she was celebrated on Thursday and given gifts to help her start her life anew, tears rolled down her cheeks.
She had been sentenced by then Principal Magistrate Bernard Mararo. She was accused of aiding gang rape against a 15-year-old in Wanyororo area on July 18, 2018.
Wangui was admitted to the prison on July 23, 2018, as a remandee after denying a gang rape offence and failing to raise a Sh200,000 bond.
She stayed in remand for 13 months and on August 23, 2019, she was jailed for five years. Despite staying in prison for almost five years, Wangui never got used to the environment and admitted that prison life is tough and wouldn't wish that life on anyone.
"It was tough to be away from my husband John Maina and my two children aged 13 and 10. I prayed that they accept me back," she said.
Wangui was lucky because her husband and children waited for her. She said she was excited and is looking forward to starting a new life with them.
She said Maina visited her twice every month and ensured she lacked nothing. While in prison, Wangui learned that not everyone can reform. She said she met violent women and sometimes it was tough to survive.
Reformed
"When I joined prison I was angry and I didn't accept my situation. However, with time I accepted my mistakes. I decided to reform and in 2019 I got baptized," she said.
Wangui thanked the magistrate who took her to prison and said she could otherwise never have reformed. In prison, she acquired hairdressing and dress-making skills and she said she is planning to start her own salon.
She advised Kenyans to stay away from crime and choose friends wisely, noting that it was her ride-or-die friend that misled her to commit the crime.
Wangui's husband Maina said he had tough years raising their children while waiting for her to return home. He said he was at times tempted to remarry.
"Not many husbands can wait for their convicted wives but God gave me strength amid temptations. It is now time to start a new life together."