BACK FROM THE SHADOWS; A HOMECOMING AFTER 55 YEARS.

For over five decades, his name had become a memory, a fading whisper in family conversations, and a photo in dusty album. Not until 18^th of May, 2025, on the late evening; when the 71-year old man, Andrew Mokomba Ombati, returns in his home, Bonchari constituency in Kisii county; after fifty five years of disappearance. The old man remains at Kerina police station as the village chiefs and police are trying to reunite him with his family.  Residents were shocked and full of disbelief. Rumors spread- some believed he had died, others whispered about another life elsewhere.

“My father’s name is Ombati, my mother’s name is Nyabeta, my elder brother’s name is Samuel and I can’t quite recall my sister’s name. And I am Andrea Mokomba Ombati, I went to Rongai where I worked as a charcoal burner for a while then I went to Narok where I worked as a sawyer and as a stockman,” said Andrew.

Andrew claimed his home to be in Keboye sub-location, in Bomariba. He left home at sixteen years old, and went to look for greener pastures far from home and never returned home. The sub-location chief was summoned to try to identify the man and help him to reunite with his family.

The community is still in shock. Some welcome him with compassion, seeing a man reconnect with his roots. Others are skeptical and angry at the pain his absence caused. The reappearance remains a mystery among the people and strikes a lot of questions in the minds of the residents.

The story of his return is a powerful reminder that life is unpredictable. It raises questions about forgiveness, family, and how time changes everything but also how some things like hope, never truly fade.

Ends..

By Obadia Machogu.

John

The author is an experienced radio journalist and media manager.