This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
On September 18, 2019, a remarkable reunion took place in the sleepy village of Ikumbi, Kigumo Constituency in Murang'a County. Francis Muthua Chege, an 81-year-old man, returned home after a 51-year absence, bringing joy and surprise to his family and the entire village.
Mr. Chege left his home in 1968, when he was just 30 years old, without informing his wife, Wanjiru Muthua, and their six children. His wife had given up searching for him but held onto hope that he would return one day.
"My only option was to leave his whereabouts to God, pray for his protection, and hope that one day he would show up," Mrs. Muthua said in an interview. "I had to do that so as to concentrate on looking after our children and ensuring they went to school."
Mr. Chege's journey back home was sparked by the government's evictions of settlers from Mau Forest. He had been living in the forest, where he had settled and married another wife, and was involved in charcoal burning. However, his business ventures were unsuccessful, and he lived a miserable life, feeling ashamed to return home with nothing.
"I would burn charcoal and spend all the proceeds on alcohol. My second wife and my son could not tolerate my habits so she left me. I lived a miserable life and felt the shame of going back home with nothing," Mr. Chege said.
With the help of a villager, Monicah Gathoni, who spotted him by the road and thought he was hungry, Mr. Chege was able to locate his home. The news of his return stunned his adult children, who quickly rushed home to meet their father.
As the family reunited, villagers gathered to celebrate the occasion. The family slaughtered goats and organized a feast to give thanks for Mr. Chege's return.
