A 95-year old former convict has expressed his happiness after leaving the high walls of Kakamega Prison in Kakamega county on Monday.
Rasto Otuya who hails from Khuisero was convicted for defiling a 10-year-old girl in 2012 and jailed for life, then aged 87, but was released for showing good conduct.
However, the elderly man maintains that he never committed the crime, and was simply framed for having a grudge with the complainant's family.
He now says that he sleeps like a baby after tasting freedom after many years of being locked up.
“I thank God for granting me back my freedom. Since I got out of prison, I have slept like a baby knowing the nightmare of prison is over.
I have never slept like these for the last seven years, you can’t be in prison and have peace of mind,” he was quoted by the Standard.
His family members have welcomed his release, terming it a new dawn for him and expressing relief that they can now see him again.
On his side, Officer-In-Charge at the prison Henry Ochieng praised Otuya for his conduct during his prison days, adding that he was even picked to lead other inmates.
“While in custody, he was disciplined and worked under minimal supervision. During his sentence service, he demonstrated good conduct and change of character.
He was the leader of other prisoners and was among the trusted inmates,” said the prison chief.