LODWAR, Kenya – Relief and tears of joy marked the corridors of the Lodwar Law Courts on Tuesday after a woman who had spent seven years battling charges of illegal gun possession was finally acquitted.
The court ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, ending a long legal nightmare that had disrupted her life and cast a shadow over her family.
The woman, whose case has drawn public sympathy, was arrested in 2018 and accused of being in possession of an illegal firearm.
Throughout the protracted proceedings, she consistently maintained her innocence, insisting the weapon had been planted on her.
During the final ruling, the magistrate observed glaring inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence and noted that key witnesses failed to link the accused directly to the firearm.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. This woman has endured seven years of stigma, restrictions, and endless court appearances without credible proof of guilt. Today, justice has prevailed,” said her lawyer outside the courthouse.
The acquittal has stirred conversation in Turkana County about the slow pace of justice in Kenya, particularly in cases involving vulnerable citizens with limited resources. Rights groups have long argued that prolonged trials not only punish the accused but also burden families who must cope with financial and social strain.
In her emotional remarks after the verdict, the woman expressed gratitude to those who stood by her during the ordeal.
“I thank God, my family, and my legal team for never giving up on me. I have suffered for a crime I did not commit, but today I walk free. I only hope no one else has to go through what I did,” she told journalists.
The case underscores broader concerns about gun control and insecurity in Kenya’s north-western regions, where illegal firearms are prevalent due to cross-border conflicts and cattle rustling.
Analysts warn that without tighter enforcement and reforms in the justice system, innocent individuals risk being caught in the web of gun-related prosecutions.
Human rights advocate Samuel Ebei called for urgent judicial reforms to address delays.
“This case shows why we must strengthen investigations and fast-track trials. Seven years of uncertainty is a heavy price to pay for anyone accused,” he said.
While the acquittal brought closure for one woman, it has also reignited debate on the delivery of justice in Kenya’s courts.
For her, however, the focus is now on rebuilding her life after years lost to a legal battle that has finally come to an end.
