For 23-year-old Valerie Susa, the dream of a brighter future abroad turned into a nightmare. Hoping to lift her family out of poverty, she traveled to Lebanon with high expectations, only to be caught in a fraudulent scheme that landed her behind bars for two years.
Valerie recalls unknowingly joining what appeared to be a lucrative “project.” It was only after her arrest that she realized her passport had been used to siphon funds. Her acquaintance, who lured her into the scheme, disappeared without facing any consequences, leaving Valerie to bear the full weight of the crime.
Back home in Nairobi’s Mwiki estate, her mother endured endless nights of fear and anxiety. Each phone call from Lebanon brought more pain, a cruel reminder of the daughter she could not reach.
The long wait finally ended at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. As Valerie walked out, her mother collapsed to the ground in tears, overcome by relief. She clung to her daughter tightly, grateful that despite the ordeal, Valerie had returned alive.
Valerie’s resilience shines through, even with the scars of betrayal and imprisonment. Though the experience was harrowing, she refuses to let it break her spirit.
“I still believe there are genuine opportunities out there. I want to try again — but this time, the right way,” she says with quiet determination.
