As news about the release of Don Bosco Gichana circulated on social media, his supporters across Gusii could not hide their joy.
It had been five years of pain but on Tuesday, a long wait for justice came into a culmination as a judge in Arusha High Court sentenced the flamboyant businessman to five years in prison.
Interestingly, the judge ruled, Mr. Gichana, who was arrested in 2013 over money laundering and fraud, will not serve the five years since he'd been locked without trial for such a period.
Instead, he will only pay Sh15 million fine to secure his freedom, of which friends and family are now contributing to rescue him.
"It has been a long wait but justice is already here. Am happy that our trips to Tanzania finally are rewarded," wrote blogger Olivia Moraira.
Another youth leader, Beavon Atuti said: "All we wanted is justice and in the end, he was given a fair hearing."
Supporters could not hide their joy in Kisii town, is political base with some throwing parties in top joints in town in the honour of the estranged businessman.
"We are ready to contribute. He is badly missed around," added John Mokaya.
On Monday, Bosco pleaded guilty before getting the sentence by the judge after five years in waiting.
Award-winning journalist Nyambega Gisesa says it took the intervention of Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta to persuade President John Magufuli to expedite Bosco's case after dragging in five years.
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