Ex-Inmate Joshua Mboya Receives Warm Welcome in Kakamega After 20 Years in Prison

Residents of Bukhaywa village in Shinyalu Constituency welcomed Joshua Mboya, 65, home on Monday following his release from a 20-year prison sentence for murder. 

Mboya, incarcerated at Kitale Central Prison in Trans Nzoia County since 2005, was greeted with songs and celebrations, underscoring a rare embrace of prisoner reintegration often marred by societal stigma. The homecoming was led by Prison Officer Daniel Mambili, who highlighted the significance of the village’s acceptance. Mambili emphasizes that many ex-inmates face abandonment, which severely hinders their ability to rebuild their lives. 

“The gesture from this village is highly commendable,” he stated, “as it will significantly aid his rehabilitation.” Mambili then formally handed Mboya over to his family.

Visibly moved, Mboya expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to rejoin his family and start anew. Reflecting on his time in prison, he acknowledged the value of discipline and expressed deep regret for his past actions. Pledging to lead an honest life, he appealed for support in establishing a small business to secure his future. 

“I never want to return to that life,” he stated, urging young people to avoid crime, which he described as a “lonely and painful existence.”

Beatrice Mboya, his wife, recounted the hardships of raising their children alone but affirmed her unwavering commitment to their marriage. She spoke of holding onto hope for her husband's eventual return. Pastor Ruben Shigoli, Mboya’s younger brother, called on the community to continue supporting his reintegration, urging them to look beyond his past. 

“This is a time for unity, not condemnation,” he said, emphasizing the importance of helping Mboya rebuild his life.