A Nairobi-based businesswoman, who was sentenced to an eight-year jail term has been rescued following a feature on Inooro TV’s Njeraini Citu.
The heartfelt story of Rose Nyambura caught the attention of a well-wisher especially after she pleaded her innocence.
Nyambura, a businesswoman who imported clothes from China to sell locally, stated that she was arrested in 2019 for allegedly importing counterfeit goods worth Ksh13 million.
The feature, which aired on November 6, 2022, delved deep into the intrigues of her case, shedding light on how a deal gone wrong landed her at Lang’ata Women’s Prison in Nairobi.
Her woes began in 2019 after she agreed to an offer from a Chinese-based company to import the goods at a cost-friendly price.
The catch, however, involved Nyambura paying the goods firsthand before receiving them at a warehouse. Enticed by the deal, the businesswoman paid Ksh110,000 to the salesman of the company.
“We communicated with the salesman who confirmed that the goods were sent and verification process was complete. However, days later I received a message that the goods were seized at the warehouse at the Coast region and I had to present myself physically,” she revealed.
Nyambura went to the warehouse, along with the rest of the remaining cash to settle the payment. She, however, found the police inspecting the goods, much to her surprise.
Even before being filled in on the developments, Nyambura was arrested by two officers and detained at Lunga Lunga Police Station in Kwale where she spent the night.
According to Nyambura, she was charged with importing counterfeit goods which attracted an eight-year jail term and Ksh 3million fine.
“The company that was contracted to ensure the suppliers had brought in quality goods did not do their job as I was left in the dark wondering what I did wrong,” she said.
Moments after the feature aired, a local-based entrepreneur who specialises on importing goods into the country reached out to the prison and the inmate to discuss how to appeal the case.
Nyambura revealed that the well-wisher hired lawyers to review and appeal her case. This turned into a legal battle where her lawyers presented evidence to prove her innocence.
The inmate was finally vindicated after a High Court judge ruled that she was not responsible for the verification of goods imported in the country and ended up paying for the mistakes of the local company.
“I am happy that I am no longer within a confines of a prison but I’m at home with my loved ones,” a jubilated Nyambura said during the interview after she was released from prison.
Four years after she was arrested, Nyambura can now enjoy her freedom with her loved ones.
