A Nairobi woman has candidly shared how desperation and years of battling alcoholism led her to marry an elderly German man, believing she would one day inherit his wealth after his death.
Speaking about her life journey, Ann Mathu revealed that her struggle with alcohol began when she was only 10 years old. Growing up in a home where excessive drinking was common, she said she often accompanied her father to local drinking spots, where she was introduced to alcohol at an age when most children were still in primary school.
As the years passed, addiction tightened its grip on her life. She lost several close family members to alcoholism, including her father and siblings, making her believe the problem ran deep within her family. The loss of her father and a later relationship with a partner who also struggled with alcohol only pushed her further into dependency.
Seeking a fresh start, Ann eventually travelled to Germany with the help of a friend. While there, she met a man in his 70s, and the two later got married. Looking back, she admitted the marriage was driven by financial hopes rather than love. She believed that after his passing, she would inherit his estate and finally secure a stable future.
However, life took an unexpected turn. Before she could relocate permanently, her husband died without leaving a will. When she sought assistance from German authorities, she discovered she had no legal claim to his property, bringing her plans to an abrupt end.
Today, Ann says she has been sober for 22 years and has dedicated her life to supporting people recovering from substance use disorder. By sharing her story openly, she hopes others will understand that addiction can lead people into desperate choices, but recovery is possible with the right support and determination.