This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
On November 15, 2019, Mercy Gatwiri, a 32-year-old mother of one, stood before Nairobi Chief Magistrate Roslyne Oganyo in a Nairobi court.
According to reports, Gatwiri had been arrested for loitering and prostitution in the Central Business District (CBD) of Nairobi.
During her court appearance, Gatwiri made a bold confession, stating that she had turned to prostitution due to a lack of employment opportunities and a troubled past.
She revealed that she had initially stayed with her boyfriend but they divorced after he became violent and abusive.
Gatwiri also shared that she had two children, but one had passed away, and the remaining child was struggling at home, leading her to seek a better life.
She pleaded guilty to the offence and asked the court to forgive her, citing her status as a first-time offender.
Magistrate Oganyo, however, noted that Gatwiri was a repeat offender and had been previously convicted of similar charges.
Despite this, Oganyo chose to acquit Gatwiri on the condition that she would never appear before her again.
The magistrate advised Gatwiri to seek employment and abandon her life of prostitution, emphasizing the importance of providing for her child.
