Julius Wambua released after falsely accused of defiling daughter

After close to 10 years in jail, Julius Wambua tearfully tasted the air of freedom. His reflection; the prison is hell.

“It’s like I’m born a new today,” he said. “In fact, it’s like I died and I’m resurrected today,” he told the press at the gates of Kamiti Maximum Prison.

Julius Wambua serving a life sentence for allegedly defiling his daughter who was 11 years of age at the time.

Wambua insists he was framed by his wife who coached the daughter to have him jailed. The daughter has confessed that she was coached to frame her dad.

Wambua lost close to a decade of his life behind bars, but after all this, he said, he is after reconciliation, pledging that he has forgiven “whoever was involved in my framing.”

“Though I have nothing now, except the clothes I am wearing, I have forgiven my two daughters and my [former] wife. I also want her to come and apologise to me,” Musyoki said, flanked by her three daughters, son and brother.

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Though he may have come out empty-handed, Musyoki now has skills in leather handling after training in the prison.

He said his life behind bars oscillated between religious engagements and hands-on training offered by the prison officials. This may be the only tool in his hands to eke a living.

“I don’t even know where I’m going to live today. I don’t know how life is going to be after I leave here,” he said.

“I’m right now well trained in issues related to leather. I’m seeking a job from well-wishers so that I can care for myself,” he added.

Wamba earned his freedom back after Machakos-based Judge George Odunga on Wednesday ordered for his fresh trial. Judge Odunga ordered Julius Wambua to be released on a Sh30,000 cash bail.

A mention for the fresh trial is set for December 21.

The judge urged couples not to use their children to settle scores as was in this case where the wife used her daughter to get back at her husband.

“Spouses and couples ought to remember that their children are not their properties…….parents have no right to treat their children as “scud missiles” or “patriots” against each other as a means of domestic warfare,” the court held.

The judge further ruled “they should learn to fight their own wars and battles without involving or seeking the support of their children, particularly where the children are minors.