Jabez Maina made brisk steps towards Kiambu town whistling happily. It was a happy day for him, actually the happiest day he had seen in over 10 years. His torn shirt and bare feet did nothing to conceal the joy on his face.
He held on tightly to the portrait on his hands. The only possession he left jail with.
Everything fascinated him, the birds chirping in the air, the loud blaring horns as vehicles passed by, He even said hi to everyone who looked at him.
He had no money on him and he did not Know how he’d get to Limuru but that was the least of his worries.
Life at Kamiti Prison had taught him how to persevere, they were subjected to severe punishment which included waking up at 5 am to do a 25km run around the prison, afterwards they’d all pick their hoes and pangas and spend the whole day in the shamba tending to the large maize and beans plantations.
Now walking a short distance to freedom, to love, to happiness, to his daughter, to everything he held dear gave him all the energy he needed.
He walked all the way to Kiambu town where coincidentally, he met an old friend, who had also been his lawyer and had successfully appealed for the reduction of his term from 25 years to 12 years in a maximum prison.
He tapped on his shoulder and when he turned to look at him there was a distant look on his face as he tried to recognize him, then a bright smile spread across his face.
My brother Maish, Is this you? Nyef asked him hugging him tightly.
It’s me bro, it’s me, I’m so happy mehn, am out, and the first person i meet is you, my friend, Jabez was overcome with Joy on meeting his old friend, tears of Joy welled up in his eyes.
He had massive respect for Nyef, he had taken up his case when all other lawyers he approached rejected it, to spice it all up he actually did it pro bono.
Let’s go to my place, I live just around the corner; Nyef said leading him towards the Estate where he lived.
At the house Jabez was welcomed by Nyef’s wife, he was shown to the bathroom and was given some of his friend’s clothes to change into.
He let the water run down on his body, as he stood and relished in the moment. He couldn’t wait to get home and share the happiness with his family.
He couldn’t keep calm and had to leave immediately after being served a cup of tea, all that was in his mind was his family, Nyef saw him off to the bus stop and gave him 5K.
Take this my man, it’ll help you get home, Once you settle down call me we meet up, He said patting him on his back.
He took the money and approached a Phone dealer where he bought himself a Phone, an Airtel line, some airtime and a Bluetooth speaker. He had a special purpose for the speaker.
Do you know of a gift shop in the vicinity, He asked the attendant to which he was guided to a stall upstairs.
He bought some cheap but classy looking gold coated rings and tucked them safe in his pockets. He boarded the ma3 to Limuru and started downloading some music on the new phone.
“ I will love you without condition,
I will love you without a million,
Even when your friends are gone and left you one…”
This song always brought joy to his heart, he always requested for it during the entertainment time in the prison, he remembered Linda his wife and a huge smile spread across his face, he was finally going home to her.
He noticed the development in his home town Nyambari, and thanked the Lord for such tremendous growth. He’d be happy settling back home, he flagged down a bodaboda and boarded giving the name of his Grandfather who was well known in this area before his death.
When the bodaboda stopped and he alighted he thought he had been dropped at the wrong address, "Guku nikuo gwa Kung’athia? (Is this Kung’athia’s Place?)" He asked the rider.
The rider nodded in the affirmative and sped off before he’d ask more questions.
In the place where his old house used to be stood a huge mansion.
It was a well maintained edifice, with white and gold colors.
Numerous questions ran through his mind as he took faint steps towards the large gate, he pressed the bell and waited.
"James, go check who's at the gate," a female voice ordered from inside.
His heart beat increased, with anticipation as he identified the voice as Linda's.
Okay mum, that was the voice of a small boy approaching the gate.
Who was James, why did he call Linda mom, a pang of anxiety hit him as he tried to thwart away the evil thoughts in his mind.