Faith Omollo: Woman Narrates How Lawyer Saved Her from Death Sentence in Malaysia
Faith Omollo, a mtumba trader from Siaya, never imagined a job offer would turn into a death sentence. In 2015, a Facebook friend introduced her to an opportunity in Malaysia, promising work in a shop owned by a Chinese businessman and his African wife. Trusting her friend, she accepted the offer and traveled to Nigeria first, where she was handed a parcel to deliver.
“They were so friendly that I had no reason to doubt them. Before I left, they even prayed for me,” Omollo recalled.
However, upon arrival in Malaysia, her world collapsed. Authorities inspected the bag, and their expressions changed. A hidden compartment concealed illegal drugs.
Arrested and Sentenced to Death
Omollo was immediately detained. Despite her innocence, attempts to reach the individuals who gave her the package failed. She spent 14 days in detention before being formally charged.
After five years of court battles, the judge delivered the unthinkable verdict.
“Africans have been destroying our country, so I am sentencing you to death. You will be killed here,” the judge declared.
Omollo remained hopeful. “I was not afraid because I knew I was innocent. I simply thanked the judge for sentencing me to death.”
Her family, however, was devastated. They prayed relentlessly, hoping for a miracle.
A Legal Battle for Survival
Instead of execution, she was sentenced to 30 years in prison, excluding the eight years already served. Still, her lawyer, an Indian national, fought for her freedom. He urged the court to review CCTV footage, a move that changed everything.
Three months later, Omollo received life-changing news—she would be repatriated to Kenya on December 12, 2024.
Life in Prison: A Living Hell
Prison life was unbearable. Omollo met many young Kenyan women trapped in similar situations.
“They were mostly in their 20s, looking for greener pastures but ending up behind bars,” she revealed.
She endured walking in chains and rarely saw sunlight. When she finally boarded a plane home, emotions overwhelmed her.
A New Beginning, A Warning to Others
“I became weak when I heard we were about to land. I had even forgotten about my youngest child,” she confessed.
Omollo credits her survival to faith. Now home, she hopes to rebuild her life and warn others about blindly trusting job offers abroad.
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Faith Omollo: Woman Narrates How Lawyer Saved Her from Death Sentence in Malaysia
