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After 23 years behind bars, it was his time to go back home.

Robinson Ogembo, who was convicted of a robbery violence case in 1998, was all smiles as he bid farewell to prison warders and former colleagues who watched fondly while waving at him at the Bomet GK prison.

Ogembo who recalls the circumstances surrounding his arrest and subsequent conviction, could not help but thank God while shading tears of joy, as he left the facility that had become his home for many years.

The father of five was arrested at the age of 34 and now leaves at 57.

As he settled down for an interview at the prison, Ogembo who donned a grey three piece suit and a red tie, ready to depart to his rural home at Masimba in Kisii County, escorted by waiting family members said he has now reformed and called on the public to accept him back.

“I used to commit robberies in Kericho and Kisii. I am carrying my cross for the wrongs I did but I have now changed and ready to lead a normal life back at home,” he said.

Ogembo asked those he offended to forgive him as he rejoins the society he left 23 years ago.

He was first sentenced to death. This forced him to appeal the judgment, a journey which started in 2002 at the Kericho High Court and Court of Appeal but which he unsuccessfully defended and was taken back to Kamiti maximum prison.

In 2009, his death sentence was reviewed to life imprisonmnet following the new constitutional dispensation.

His focus then shifted to the Supreme Court where his sentence was reduced to three years.

Bomet prison in charge Tanaka Kebwaro who saw him off the facility called on the community to accept him back since he has reformed.