When a child is born, the community celebrates and foretells a future filled with promise. Hopes are shared, names are given, and spiritual guidance begins early, preparing the child for the responsibilities of adulthood. Families and communities invest time, effort and sacrifice to nurture that future.

For Leonard Lumbasi Muyekho of Harambee, Malava Sub-County in Kakamega County, that promise was abruptly interrupted just as he was about to enjoy the fruits of his family’s sacrifice.

Muyekho began his early childhood education at Luyeshe Primary School before proceeding to Malava Boys High School between 1990 and 1993. He later joined Egerton University, where he trained as a teacher and graduated in the year 2000. His hopes of building a successful life were high, unaware that fate was about to take a devastating turn.

While waiting to be employed, Muyekho’s life changed dramatically following a family dispute linked to the purchase of a motor vehicle. He maintains that his step-sister was the one who duped their father over the transaction. According to him, their father had some cash, but the business deal did not materialise. That same night, the father was attacked.

 

What followed was a chain of events that would alter Muyekho’s life forever. He recalls being booked at Kabras Police Station and when he just gone to see what recorded Occurrence Book to understand what happened to his father.

“I remember the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) asking me, ‘Are you a family member?’ When I said yes, he told me, ‘You are under arrest.’ That is how my prison life began,” Muyekho recounts.

He and his brothers were later charged and convicted in a case rooted in deep family rivalry. Their father had five wives, and the polygamous family was riddled with jealousy, inheritance disputes and long-standing resentment. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, Leonard and his brothers were sentenced to death under mandatory sentencing laws at the time.

“In court, we were sentenced to mandatory death,” he says. “When our father was informed of the ruling, he collapsed and died.”

The conviction shattered their family and severed bonds that once held them together. Property and inheritance meant for Leonard were taken away by Mama wa Kambo, following claims that Leonard and his brothers were responsible for their father’s death.

Life in prison was extremely difficult, yet it became another classroom of learning.

“Life is not as easy as many people think while enjoying their freedom outside. Prison taught me the difference between a hard and a soft life. I deeply regret the time I lost behind bars,” he says.

He describes prison as a place filled with suffering, drug smuggling, violence and all forms of criminal behaviour.

“Anyone enjoying freedom outside should protect it. What I saw in prison is hell; I would never wish it upon anyone.”

After 17 years behind bars, his return to the community marked a new dawn. The day of his release was filled with joy as he reunited with his family, who endured the long years of incarceration alongside him. Despite the long absence, the community welcomed them warmly and helped them adjust to a changed environment.

However, the joy was incomplete. They had no home to return to, as their inheritance had already been taken away.

Muyekho now urges people to value their freedom, warning that prison life is not something anyone should ever desire. He has also called upon the government and justice agencies to prioritise mediation before arrests are made.

“Jailing someone for 17 years only to later realise they were innocent is a tragedy,” he says

To former convicts facing stigma after release, he advises patience and restraint.

“Do not retaliate or do anything that may return you to prison. Use the counselling and guidance you received while inside, even if the community rejects you because of the nature of the crime.”

He also appeals to church leaders, elders, Members of Parliament, MCAs and other leaders to involve reformed convicts in public forums to educate the youth about crime.

“I always tell them, ‘Usione ni kosa ni kidogo.’ A small mistake can destroy your life. I have counselled many young people, especially boda boda riders and school-going children, to avoid crime.”

Although prison cost him many productive years, Muyekho says it also revealed talents he never knew he had. While incarcerated, he obtained a diploma in Food Science and Technology, learning how to process dairy products such as mala and ice cream, as well as maize products. He also gained skills in tree nursery management and landscaping.

“These skills are dying in my hands. I appeal to well-wishers and donors to help me rebuild my life so I can support my family and educate my children,” he says.

Despite his suffering, Muyekho says he has forgiven those who contributed to his imprisonment.

“Prison opened my eyes to talents I never knew I had. With support, I can become an all-round citizen.”

Marry Shimwenyi, a professional mediator and member of Wazee wa Kitaifa, supports alternative dispute resolution methods. She urges communities to adopt njia mbadala (alternative approaches) in resolving conflicts before they escalate to courts.

Shimwenyi has also called on Parliament to enact laws that allow skilled and professional ex-convicts to secure employment after release, instead of being locked out of opportunities solely due to criminal records and fingerprints