Warm welcome for pardoned prisoner after 38-year absence

Residents of Ngilai Village on Monday received one of their own who was among the long-serving prisoners that were pardoned by President Uhuru Kenyatta during this year’s Mashujaa Day.

Transisio Letuamba, who was jailed in 1978 after he killed someone in self-defense, was jubilantly welcomed in a feast where several cows and goats were slaughtered to celebrate the 55-year-old’s return.

Elders welcomed Transisio outside the village where they cleansed him by pouring water to bless him so that he could be accepted back to the village. They then prayed for him and took him to the village where he was received by his family.

“He’s like a prodigal son back to his father; we are very happy to have him back and thank our leaders for his release,” his cousin, Gabriel Lentoijoni, said.

Letuamba thanked President Kenyatta, saying he is happy to be back home.

”I’m very happy for the great welcome by my fellow villagers. I am ready to work with them in every way to better the society,” he said.

President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered for the release of at least 7,000 prisoners on October 20 this year during the Mashujaa Day celebrations.