In 2006, an ordinary Sunday in Ngong, Matasia, turned into a life-altering event for Kinyanjui, a 31-year-old carpenter, and his family.
Little did he anticipate that the events of that day would forever change the trajectory of his life.
The narrative unfolded by delving into the past, offering a glimpse into a day that became a pivotal moment for a man struggling with overwhelming emotions.
The day commenced like any other, with Kinyanjui’s wife leaving for church at 10 am. She returned at 1 pm, and the family gathered for lunch. However, as the day unfolded, a disquieting revelation awaited Kinyanjui upon his return from his chama at 9 pm. Finding the gates locked, he scaled the wall, suspecting his family was already asleep.
The night took a dark turn when, faced with barking dogs, Kinyanjui encountered a half-naked man emerging from his house – a man who turned out to be his farm worker and a friend. Shock and humiliation overwhelmed Kinyanjui, leading to a confrontation with his wife.
The confrontation escalated, and in the presence of their children, Kinyanjui tragically strangled his wife to death, a moment of rage that would have profound consequences.
“This was the woman I married in church; the mother of my kids whom I sacrificed a lot to give a good life. When I saw that man coming out of my house, my blood started boiling, and there was no doubt in my mind that he was sleeping with her,” recalled Kinyanjui after the fatal act.
Remanded at Industrial Area before being sentenced to death, Kinyanjui has spent the past five years grappling with the repercussions of his actions within the confines of Kamiti Prison.
Before imprisonment, he not only worked as a carpenter but also provided for his family by selling borehole water to neighbors and engaging in farming. However, life as he knew it crumbled in the aftermath of that fateful night.
In a moment of self-reflection, Kinyanjui contemplates the depth of his anger and the subsequent regret. Initially denying the offense, he faced the harsh reality as his children, witnesses to the tragedy, testified against him. The pain was compounded by the fact that his children witnessed everything unfold before their eyes.
Amidst the bleakness of his situation, Kinyanjui clings to the hope of forgiveness. He acknowledges the support from his wife’s family, particularly his father-in-law, a preacher who has extended love and counseling. Their forgiveness, he believes, has offered him some semblance of peace amid his imprisonment.
As Kinyanjui navigates the complexities of guilt and remorse, he imparts a sobering piece of advice to others. Drawing from his tragic experience, he underscores the dangers of acting in anger, urging individuals to remove themselves from volatile situations rather than succumb to impulsive actions that could lead to irreparable consequences.
Within the confines of Kamiti Prison, Kinyanjui has discovered a new purpose in carpentry. A skill ingrained in him, he now mentors fellow inmates in the craft, emphasizing the importance of giving back to society.
The narrative takes a poignant turn as Kinyanjui revisits the happier times with his late wife, Damaris.
“We were happy, and everything was going well for us. Our businesses were thriving. I owned several parcels of land where I would farm and take my produce to Ngong market. We wedded in church on November 30, 2002. She was my first love, and that’s why I failed to understand why she would do that to me after eight years of marriage. If you have ever loved someone, you would know what I’m talking about. I’m a teetotaller, and I did everything to please her,” shared Kinyanjui.
