Murang’a man returns home 50 years after disappearing

Francis Muthua Chege was only 30 years old when he vanished from his home in Ikumbi village, Kigumo, Murang’a county.

That was in 1968. For five decades, his family has had no idea of his whereabouts –until he resurfaced a few days ago.

And just like Biblical prodigal son disappeared from home after getting a share of his father’s wealth, spent it and went back a pauper, Muthua’s case is no different.

Leaving his wife to fend for their six children, Muthua says he first went to Kisii town where he set up charcoal business.

But it flopped and he packed his bags relocated to Narok where he spent a better part of his life working as a charcoal trader. He even acquired a new wife but parted ways after the birth of their child. 

“Life was not any better there because I squandered all the money I got from charcoal burning on alcohol,” the 81-year-old said.

At the same time, his family was spending sleepless nights wondering what could have happened to their kin. His wife Wanjiru had to tighten her belt to raise and educate their children by herself.

After months of looking for him, they gave up the search and opted to continue with their lives hoping he would come back one day.

“At first it was difficult for me but I had no choice but to raise the children all by myself,” she said.

As time went by, they got used to his absence.  Then Mau evictions happened. With nowhere else to go to, Muthua retraced his steps to a home and life he abandoned 50 years ago.  

Muthua was found a resident Monicah Gathoni lying weak and desolate near Ikumbi Primary School. 

“He was very weak and looked sickly and told me he left here many years ago and was trying to find his way home,” she said.

Gathoni got a motor bike to take him home and news of his return spread fast like bush fire with neighbours thronging their home.

One of his sons, who is now secondary school teacher in Ndaragwa, Nyandarua County, said he travelled by night on receiving news of his father’s return.

“I got home almost at midnight, I could not wait for day break to look for him,” he said. 

“We are happy to have him back and even if he left us when we were young, he is still our father,” he added.

The children and close relatives organised a party to celebrate his return.

The elderly man said he is happy to be home though he brought nothing and thanked wife and children for accepting him back.

“I lack words to express my gratitude to them and more so my wife for her perseverance and commitment to raise our children,” he said.