Rerimoi Barsitei, a former athlete from Keturwo in Baringo North, says he moved to Mexico hoping to build a better future. However, his life reportedly took a tragic turn after he unknowingly hosted individuals who were later arrested and identified by authorities as criminals.
According to Barsitei, he was arrested together with the group and later taken through court proceedings without access to either a lawyer or a translator. He alleges that the language barrier left him unable to understand the charges or effectively defend himself throughout the legal process.
Barsitei further claims that he repeatedly reached out to the Kenyan diplomatic mission responsible for the region seeking legal assistance, but says he never received the support he needed.
He also alleges that the other suspects admitted he had no involvement in the crimes under investigation. While they were reportedly sentenced earlier, Barsitei says he remained in custody for another two years before eventually being handed an 80-year prison sentence.
Now serving his sentence thousands of kilometres away from home, Barsitei is appealing to the Kenyan Embassy in Washington, led by Ambassador David Kerich, to intervene and help him pursue justice.
His case has reignited debate over the legal and diplomatic support available to Kenyans facing criminal proceedings in foreign countries.
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