Ann Murugi’s life took a devastating turn in March when she was arrested at her workplace, a small bar in Siakago town, accused of selling alcohol without a license.
Her employer abandoned her after the arrest as she faced the unimaginable choice of either a year in prison or a fine of Ksh60,000.
Unable to raise the fine while pregnant, she found herself giving birth within the cold confines of Embu Maximum Prison.
Adding to her hardship, her two other children were evicted from their rented house in Siakago town, leaving them homeless as she remained behind bars.
Well-wishers provided shelter for her two sons, but the separation from their mother weighed heavily on the young family.
Murugi’s situation grew even bleaker until Embu Woman Representative Pamela Njoki Njeru, known as Double N, learned of her plight and intervened.
“The woman (Mama Kariuki), who recently gave birth while in jail, faced a dire situation as her other children were left homeless due to the lack of financial resources for rent and food. My heart was flooded with a compassionate action that aimed to reunite the family and provide them with the support they desperately needed during this challenging time,” Njoki said.
The release of Murugi and her one-month-old child was met with euphoric celebrations outside Embu Maximum Prison and throughout Siakago town.
Tears of joy flowed as Murugi’s two children rushed to embrace their mother and new sibling, overwhelmed with emotion.
“I never imagined I would see my children again so soon. One year in prison is not a joke. This is a miracle,” she said.