After 17 years behind bars, Daniel Wanyeki is set to celebrate Christmas with his family for the first time since his incarceration.
He was granted release on December 4, following a ruling by the Thika Law Courts which imposed strict conditions for his freedom. Wanyeki’s legal troubles began in 2007, when he was accused of defiling his daughters, then aged seven and nine. Initially sentenced to 20 years in prison, his sentence was later extended to life imprisonment after an appeal.
However, a pivotal development occurred in 2020 when Wanyeki’s younger daughter, now 24, disclosed that her testimony had been coerced by relatives and a police officer during a family dispute regarding a significant inheritance. Earlier this year, the Kiambu High Court, led by Judge Dorah Chepkwony, overturned Wanyeki’s conviction, mandating a retrial. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) requested additional time to consider the new evidence related to Wanyeki’s case.
On November 27, Principal Magistrate Yusuf Baraza granted this request, scheduling a mention for December 4 under Principal Magistrate Stella Atambo. During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Christine Torome indicated that further deliberation on the new evidence was necessary prior to a retrial. Ultimately, Magistrate Atambo ruled in favor of Wanyeki’s release, setting bail at Sh100,000 and a surety of the same amount.
Conditions attached to his release include bi-weekly reporting to the OCS Ruiru police station and prohibition from contacting certain family members. Expressing gratitude for his release, Wanyeki acknowledges the personal transformation he experienced during his imprisonment. His lawyer Kiroko Ndegwah hails the ruling as an affirmation of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
As Wanyeki looks toward reintegrating into society, his case is scheduled for further mention on January 22, 2025. On that date, the ODPP will determine whether to proceed with the retrial. For Wanyeki and his family, this Christmas symbolizes a new beginning, imbued with hope and the potential for reconciliation.
