A family in central farm, Kuresoi North sub-county today rejoiced together with members of the community as they received their kin back after 20 years of being apart.

Joseph Kang'ethe who was found guilty of defilement and served a 20 years sentence was received with songs of joy and ululation by his clan’s men after being away from home for a long time.

His mother Caroline Waithera aged 95 years old, teared up the moment her second born child called out her name. Hers were words of blessing to his son and gratitude to God for bringing his son back home safely after a long time.

She could not express her joy in words but chose instead to sing songs of praise and made a prayer thanking God for seeing her son again.

His younger brother, James Kariuki says the family is ready to help Kang’ethe start over again.

"We forgive him for what happened in the past and are ready to move on with life together and help him where we can," says Kariuki.

Family and friends of Joseph Kang'ethe celebrate as he arrived home in Kuresoi North after serving 20 years in prison

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/NMG

His last born sister, Jemimah Wangari thanked the Prison staff who for that period stayed with her brother and took care of him.

" Jail time was a bump that made you pause your life. Do not let it be a limitation for you not to enjoying your freedom now that you have earned it back," Waithera told her brother.

Among people who were also present to receive Kang'ethe was his long life friend James Muraya, who said he best understand the position his friend is coming in at, as he had also served an 8year 8months jail term.

Kang’ethe is now on the quest to locate his wife and three children who left home after he was sentenced. What he longs for is to see his family a whole again and leaving happily together.

"My son whom I left here as a small baby is now a grown man. Seeing him at the prison during one of his visit made me want to reunite with my wife and children and start life afresh," said Kang'ethe.

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Man Reunites With Family After 20 Years in Prison

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