Don Bosco Gichana, the business mogul com politician, was on Tuesday released by Arusha prison authorities after five years of anguish in the neighbouring Tanzania.
Accused of money laundering and fraud, the stylish politician pleaded guilty a fortnight ago, a strategy reached for a lesser punishment.
Presiding judge slapped him with five years in jail on top of Sh15 million fine, but luckily, he had already served the term in detention, the court noted.
On Friday last week, his brother, Pascal Gichana, deposited the fine as Namanga immigration department, after swift contributions from family and friends.
"It's been a tough moment and we thank friends for standing with us. We have cleared with authorities and we are just waiting for a node to leave," wrote Mr. Pascal Gichana, hours before Don Bosco was released on Tuesday.
Photos of a smiling Don Bosco went viral online with his supporters across Kisii and Nyamira Counties calling for a homecoming party.
Renowned blogger Olivia Moraira alias Kabz Nyar Kisii, delightfully, said Mr. Gichana seems to have 'understood' prison life.
"Happy to see him smiling and healthy. Seems he understood the life in prison well," wrote Ms. Moraira, a proponent for Don Bosco's release.
It is not clear whether a homecoming ceremony will be done but youth leader Beavon Magare says a series of events will be done in Nairobi, Kisii and Nyamira in honour of the philanthropist.
"Something will be done believe me. It's been a long journey," said Mr. Magare.
The youthful politician, who funded Raila Odinga's 2007 campaigns, is quite popular both in Kisii and Nyamira Counties. He was arrested in connection with money laundering and fraud charges in 2013.
In 2016, Don Bosco missed his mother's burial, a matter that sparked protest in Gusii town.
ODM Director Communications Philip Etale conceded that Raila Odinga and held talks with President John Magufuli over Bosco's predicaments.
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