Irish pastor Rory Bracken has spoken out about what he describes as a deeply traumatic and unjust experience in Kenya, where he was wrongfully imprisoned at Kodiaga Prison in Kisumu.
Bracken said the ordeal began in February 2019 when he was arrested for allegedly breaching visa regulations. He was granted bail of KSh 500,000, later reduced to KSh 50,000, but spent 23 days behind bars before his family managed to raise the money for his release.
According to Bracken, the court later ruled in his favour, confirming that his stay in Kenya had been lawful and that his arrest constituted malicious prosecution. He was awarded KSh 400,000 in damages for the wrongful arrest, plus legal fees, bringing the total to KSh 560,000.
However, more than four years later, he claims he has not received a cent of the compensation awarded. He argues that the amount itself was insufficient to cover the financial and emotional damage caused, which included six months of living expenses in hotels and restaurants while his passport was withheld.
The pastor expressed disappointment at what he saw as a lack of solidarity from Kenyan religious leaders, saying no local pastor, including the one who invited him to the country, came forward to support him during his trial.
He also accused some of the lawyers he hired of disappearing without fulfilling their duties. Bracken maintains that he is not driven by bitterness but by a desire to speak the truth and fulfil what he calls a divine assignment.
He warns that Kenya risks moral and spiritual decline unless it addresses corruption, tribalism, and malpractice within churches.
His account has stirred debate, with some questioning how a legal judgment can remain unenforced for so long and others calling for reforms to protect foreigners and citizens alike from similar ordeals.
By Creatorhub