An ex-convict has asked the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHCR) to help him repossess his property worth Ksh5.4 million.
Speaking to a local publication, Benjamin Mbithi stated that he lost the property while serving his 18-year prison sentence after he attacked his area chief.
“By the time of arrest, my property was worth Ksh5 million. I had rental houses and a house in Kibundani," Mbithi stated.
Free but homeless
He resorted to living at his parents' house with his children when he was released from prison on July 26, 2022, as his property had been destroyed.
He is now appealing to relevant authorities to help him reclaim his property.
“My rights have been infringed. I call upon the relevant authorities to investigate my complaints and demand a refund of my property which was destroyed,” he said.
The property in question
The Kathiani-born father of four had moved to Kwale in 1987 where, through the help of his uncle, he opened a woodwork shop business in Ukunda, and later built houses and opened an hotel.
“The business was booming. The profit I made from the businesses, I built a house and rental property,” Mbithi recounted.
But there was a scuffle between him and the area chief which led to his arrest and jail. A bitter argument had seen him attack the chief with a panga over the hotel that he had built in Ukunda.
He was shot in the leg.
He was later admitted to a nearby hospital before being charged with violence with robbery on November 21, 2008.
