MOMBASA—In a case that underscores the complexity of justice and redemption, David Mwangi found his life’s calling following a wrongful accusation and imprisonment in 1979. On April 20th of that year, a robbery occurred at Abdalla Sons business premises along Meru Road in Mombasa, where Mohammed Saleh Khadwalla was robbed of 87 wrist watches and Ronsel lighters, amounting to a total value of Sh 26,455. Earlier that day, Elizabeth Mole’s Mazda Saloon car, valued at Sh 54,000, was also stolen by the same gang at Ambalala House along Mikindani Road.
According to Kenya News Agency, his curiosity led him to the scene of the commotion after hearing distress calls from the victims. This curiosity, however, resulted in his wrongful implication in the crimes committed by a gang of four men. Despite his innocence, Mwangi spent six months at Shimo La Tewa Remand Prison.
Born in 1960 in Murang’a District, Mwangi moved to Mombasa in 1972 and took on various casual jobs after completing his Certificate of Primary Education in 1974. His life took an unexpected turn when he was implicated in the aforementioned crimes, leading to his detention and subsequent release after being acquitted of the charges by the High Court in Mombasa in 1979.
Mwangi’s wrongful incarceration inspired him to pursue a career in counselling psychology, aimed at supporting those serving prison sentences. Now a preacher at the Elim Gospel Church in Nyaribo Village, Mwangi has dedicated his life to providing mentorship talks and counselling sessions for prison wardens and inmates, as well as reaching out to marginalized individuals in society.
His efforts have not only brought hope to many but also showcased the power of transformation through adversity. Mwangi, who also pursued sign writing and painting after his release, eventually gained permanent employment with the Kenya Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (KPTC) in 1982. Despite facing retrenchment in 2007 as part of the company’s austerity measures, Mwangi viewed this as an opportunity to further embrace his calling in pastoral and counselling work.
Today, Mwangi’s sign writing is visible across Nyeri, adorning government offices, churches, and private businesses. He also offers training in sign writing, charging a negotiable fee of Sh 25,000 for those interested in learning the trade under his guidance. Through his story of wrongful accusation, resilience, and eventual redemption, Mwangi emphasizes the importance of perseverance, offering support to those in need, and the transformative power of faith and service to others.