Emotional scenes unfolded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as Valerie Susa, a Kenyan woman who had been imprisoned in Lebanon, finally returned home after more than two years away from her family. Tears of relief and joy flowed freely as her mother and relatives embraced her, ending a painful chapter marked by fear, uncertainty, and long periods of silence.
Valerie, a resident of Mwiki estate in Nairobi, had left Kenya several years ago in search of better opportunities abroad. Like many young Kenyans who travel overseas for work, her dream was simple — to support her family financially and improve their living standards. She secured employment in Lebanon and successfully completed her initial contract, raising hopes for a stable future.
While working there, Valerie discovered she could supplement her income using her hairdressing skills. Determined to maximize her opportunities, she started a small hairdressing business within the immigrant community. Her talent quickly attracted clients, and for a time, life appeared to be improving. She earned enough to sustain herself and even dreamed of expanding the venture.
Her progress, however, took a devastating turn when she was introduced to what seemed like a legitimate business opportunity by someone she trusted. The deal was presented as profitable and promising. Unbeknownst to Valerie, it allegedly involved illegal financial transactions. Her passport was reportedly used in the fraudulent dealings without her fully understanding the implications.
When Lebanese authorities uncovered the illegal operation, the individual who had introduced her to the scheme reportedly disappeared, leaving Valerie to face the consequences alone. She was arrested, charged, and later sentenced to prison despite maintaining that she had no knowledge of the criminal activities. What followed were more than two difficult years behind bars in a foreign country, far from her loved ones.
Back in Kenya, her family endured emotional torment. Her mother, in particular, lived in constant anxiety. Every phone call from Lebanon triggered fear, as they never knew what news awaited them. Months of silence deepened the pain, and the uncertainty weighed heavily on the entire household.
Valerie’s eventual return marks not only the end of a painful ordeal but also the beginning of a new chapter. Her story highlights both the risks many migrant workers face abroad and the resilience required to overcome life’s harshest setbacks. For her family, the reunion was more than just a homecoming — it was the restoration of hope after years of distress.
