Woman Narrates How Whatsapp Threats Landed Her in Prison

Patricia Kinyua's marriage initially seemed blissful, but conflicts eventually arose, as is common in many relationships.

What she never anticipated was that a heated disagreement with her husband, fueled by anger and culminating in threatening audio messages exchanged via WhatsApp, would lead to her imprisonment. Kinyua recounts how the once-happy union blessed the couple with a child. However, recurring arguments prompted her husband to seek restraining orders and initiate divorce proceedings.

The legal documents were supposed to be delivered to Kinyua, but the process was handled unprofessionally by her husband's lawyer, who instead provided them to neighbours for forwarding, resulting in a two-month delay before Kinyua became aware of the situation. Outraged by the mishandling, Kinyua confronted the law firm, which initially denied involvement before admitting their role in drafting the documents. Consumed by anger, she lashed out at the lawyer through audio messages on WhatsApp, issuing insults and threats, unaware of the grave consequences that would follow.

Believing the matter had been resolved, Kinyua continued with her life until a fateful Saturday when a knock on her door changed everything. She was arrested, handcuffed, and taken into custody. In court, the charges against her were read aloud, and she immediately requested bail. However, the magistrate deemed the charges severe, presenting her with the options of either a Sh1 million bond or Sh500,000 cash bail.

Unable to meet the bail conditions, Kinyua spent two years in remand before being convicted on March 22, 2020. The weight of the situation bore heavily upon her, particularly considering the impact on her child. Filled with remorse, she sought forgiveness from her parents and advocate, expressing no ill will toward her former husband. She now apologizes to her child for the pain caused by her absence during this challenging period, acknowledging her regret and willingness to move forward, with or without her husband's support.