Stories
May, 2026
WHY KEEPING FAMILY MATTERS
Janbib, an elderly woman and a resident of Kisumu, had built her life in Mombasa as a wife. But behind closed doors, her home was marked by pain rather than peace. For years, she endured abuse from her husband, silently what no one should have to bear within a family setting.
One day, after yet another confrontation, an argument broke out between them. This time, things escalated differently. Her husband reported her to the police, accusing her of assault. Janbib was arrested and charged, turning her from a victim into an accused person in the eyes of the law.
She was remanded at Shimo la Tewa, where she remained for six long months. For an elderly woman, the experience was isolating and difficult far from home, far from familiarity, and without immediate family support by her side.
Through the intervention of our paralegals, her case was revisited with a deeper understanding of her circumstances. The court eventually granted her a free bond, opening the door for her release. However, there was still one challenge she had no one immediately available to come for her.
Her sister, who worked in the Gulf, became her only hope. Upon returning to Kenya, she went straight to the prison and secured Janbib’s release. It was a powerful moment of reunion one that underscored the importance of family, even across distance and time.
After her release, Janbib left Mombasa and travelled with her sister back to Kisumu, returning to a place she could finally call safe.
On this Family Day, Janbib’s story reminds us why keeping families connected matters. Even when systems fail and circumstances divide, the presence of a caring family member can restore dignity, provide protection, and offer a path to healing.
Her journey is a testament that family is not just about where you live but about who shows up for you when it matters most.
Asha Saidi-Legal Aid Advocate
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