- 19-year-old Edwin Gathigi was released after being sentenced to life imprisonment two years ago
- The boy was acquitted after his grandmother, who was a key witness in the case, later admitted that she had lied to the court, saying she had been pushed by her daughter to implicate Edwin in the crime.
- After being released, Edwin expressed his happiness and said he plans to go back to school and fulfill his dream of becoming a chef.
A 19-year-old Kenyan man, who was sentenced to life in prison, has finally been released a few months after his grandmother admitted that she gave false evidence against him.
Source: Facebook
Edwin Gathigi was sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty in the case of prostitution, where his grandmother was the main witness and told the court that she saw Edwin commit the alleged crime.
However, in August 2025, the grandmother visited Edwin in prison and admitted that he gave false evidence in court, claiming he was persuaded by his daughter to do so.
“Please forgive me Edwin, because I was wrong. When I gave that testimony I didn’t think you would end up in prison,” he told her sadly in August.
In October 2025, an appeal was heard using that evidence along with other evidence.
Edwin’s mother claimed that her sister accused her son of the crime as a way of revenge, following a long-term quarrel between them that arose from a certain man.
Edwin is finally released
Six months after Edwin’s plight was reported by journalist Simon Kibe via YouTube, he is finally free.
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Edwin was released from Nyeri High Security Prison after it was found that he was wrongfully imprisoned.
The young man could not hide his happiness after his freedom was restored, saying that he will now go back to school and follow his dream of becoming a chef, something he has always dreamed of.
“I’m so happy, I don’t even know what to say. I couldn’t believe it when I was released by the judge. It was one of the biggest miracles I’ve ever witnessed. The judge decided that I had no reason to stay in prison because my grandmother’s testimony, which had a big role in my imprisonment, was false,” he said.
His mother bought him new clothes and took him to the prison the day before he was released so he could wear them when he left, a place he described as very bad.
“I will not wish anyone to go to prison. It was not easy at all, and I encourage young people to be careful. Do not wish to taste life in prison. It is very bad,” he said.
Source: Facebook
Will Edwin forgive his grandmother and aunt?
Despite his grandmother giving false evidence against him in court, Edwin said he forgives her unconditionally and is even ready to meet her again, although he admitted that their relationship may not be the same as before.
Regarding his aunt, who allegedly planned his arrest and persuaded the grandmother to give false evidence, Edwin said the following:
“I would like to tell him that God is not a man. Let him live his life well, and I am free. I hope I never meet him again,” he said, adding that he has no intention of revenge.
A man released after 31 years in prison is speaking out
In other news, a man who was released after serving 31 years in prison admitted that he had learned a lesson.
The 56-year-old man was jailed after being found guilty of aggravated robbery in 1991, and now admits the decision was wrong.
He advised Kenyans to be careful with their friends who might persuade them to indulge in crime.
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