A young man from Kenya is trying to rebuild his life after spending over 57 years in prison for a crime he insists he never committed. His release came after a major court decision overturned his conviction, revealing a serious miscarriage of justice.
Edwin Gathigi was still in Form Four when his life changed completely during the December school holiday.
While staying at his grandparents’ home in Mukurweini, Nyeri County, he was called late at night and accused of raping his younger cousin.
He strongly denied the allegation and even offered to undergo medical examinations to prove his innocence.
Edwin later said the accusation shocked him deeply, explaining that the idea of such an act was disturbing and went against everything he stood for.
He maintained his innocence and told his family he was ready to take any medical test to clear his name.
However, the case was reported to the police and quickly taken to court. On January 22, 2025, the Mukurweini Magistrate’s Court found him guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
He was later taken to Kingongo Prison in Nyeri, where he described prison life as extremely harsh and emotionally painful.
Edwin said the experience made him feel like a living dead person—physically alive but mentally broken and without freedom.
While in prison, he worked at the prison dispensary, where he developed an interest in nursing.
After years of appeal, his case finally changed. On January 21, 2026, Nyeri High Court Judge DKN Magare overturned the conviction and ordered his release.
The long court battle drained his family financially and forced him to postpone his education, but he still holds on to hope.
He now says he wants to go back to school and follow his dream career.
Today, Edwin is free and focused on healing, choosing forgiveness as he slowly rebuilds his life after a painful experience that changed everything for him.
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