“Ksh. 3,000 Led To My Death Sentence”: Kenyan Man Laments
Years behind bars led Njiru and his mates to pen a letter to former Chief Justice David Maraga
In a recent Itugi TV feature, the spotlight fell on a Kenyan chap who found himself in a legal tangle, due to allegations of nicking a mere three thousand bob.
Simon Njiru is a lad born circa 1973 in Embu county, bid schooling at class eight. He made his way to Nairobi in 1995, diving into the hustle and bustle of hawking, just like countless other youth.Njiru’s tale of woe began in 2002, on his way home from work, when he crossed paths with some folks, including a fella he’d had a run-in with at a local club.
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Out of the blue, he was accused of swiping three grand. Despite vehemently denying the charge, he found himself tied up, awaiting the arrival of the cops. Soon enough, he was carted off to court without a chance to state his case.
Thrown before the judge after a short stint, Njiru was swiftly thrown in the slammer for a month. The prosecution painted him and four others as armed robbers, alleging they committed a violent heist.Despite his protests of innocence, he was handed a death sentence after a speedy three-month trial. Though he appealed just two weeks later, his efforts were in vain, turned down flat by the courts.
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Years behind bars led Njiru and his mates to pen a letter to former Chief Justice David Maraga, demanding either execution as the law dictated or their release. To their surprise, they were given a shot at redemption as their cases were reviewed by the High Court.
After filing his appeal, Njiru’s sentence was reduced to fifteen years, despite having already served seventeen. Upon his release, he wasted no time heading home, grappling with the injustice that had robbed him of his freedom and the daunting task of starting afresh.
“Nilipata ñdugu yangu anasumbuana na watu wawili sababu ya ulevi..wakakimbia..vile walikimbia tukaenda nyumbani. Tukaishi vizuri. Tarehe nne nkaenda kazi. Tarehe Saba nikishuka kwa gari nikaona watu wengi. Mtu mmoja akasema ndio huyu. Akasema, ile siku mlikuwa na Mimi, mliniibia Elfu tatu ilikuwa kwa jacket.” he partly narrated
Speaking out about his ordeal, Njiru bemoans the baseless accusations that upended his life, asserting his innocence in the alleged crime.As he embarks on the uphill journey of rebuilding his life, he urges viewers to tune in and share their thoughts on his harrowing experience
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