'I Was Innocent': Former Kenyan Athlete Jailed for 80 Years in Mexico Appeals for Justice

A former Kenyan athlete from Baringo County has appealed for government intervention after receiving an 80-year prison sentence in Mexico, claiming he was convicted despite having no involvement in the crimes.

Rerimoi Barsitei, from Keturwo in Baringo North, said he travelled abroad in search of better economic opportunities but was arrested alongside individuals who were later identified as criminals. He maintains that he had no connection to their activities but was detained and prosecuted with them.

Barsitei claims the trial was affected by serious procedural failures. He says he was denied legal representation and interpretation services, leaving him unable to understand the court proceedings or present a proper defence. He also states that repeated requests for assistance from the Kenyan diplomatic mission responsible for Mexico did not result in meaningful support.

According to Barsitei, the case took a further turn when the other defendants told the court that he was not involved in their crimes. Despite those statements, he remained in custody and was sentenced to 80 years in prison two years later, a punishment he describes as unjust.

Barsitei has appealed to the Kenyan Embassy in Washington, led by Ambassador David Kerich, asking officials to intervene and help him pursue justice.