In the heart of Kwale county where the serene landscapes offer a stark contrast to his turbulent past, Abdul* (not his real name) has opened a new chapter in his life.
Once entangled in the web of crime and drug abuse, he made a decision to leave behind a life of uncertainty and embrace tranquility.
Now, amid the lush greenery and gentle rhythms of coastal life, he is focused on cultivating peace and rebuilding his life.
Abdul said being on the run all the time is no way to spend one’s life. He yearns to embrace his youth fully and grow old with dignity.
He said he was exhausted from living in fear, often having to hide and only venture out at night.
"Peace is precious. Just imagine living a life where you have to stay hidden and can’t even walk in the streets for fear of the police?"
Abdul said he has numerous times narrowly escaped arrest or death either from the police or mob.
He was a robber but now he earns an honest income through his hard work and dedication.
He drives all classes of vehicles but at the moment he operates a tuk-tuk plying Mombasa-Lunga-Lunga route.
"Previously, I had to resort to robbing people in dark corners to get food. I’m grateful that I’ve moved on from that and now operate a tuk-tuk," Abdul said.
He witnessed many of his colleagues get killed or arrested, and he decided he did not want to meet the same fate.
Abdul said in the past many people were afraid of him and his family struggled to trust him.
He said a day wouldn't end without people mentioning his name negatively.
Abdul said at times, the community would accuse him of crimes he had not committed, making it difficult to persuade his family of his innocence.
"Sometimes, I would go watch football, but because of the lack of trust in me, people assumed I was up to something nefarious. This hurt me deeply and motivated me to change," he said.
Since he stopped crime and drugs, he has gained the freedom he had been missing.
Abdul said the newfound freedom has allowed him to rebuild relationships and earn the trust of those around him, especially family and friends.
He said in his pursuit for peace, he has met high-profile individuals he never imagined he would encounter.
Abdul said he is now focused on positive activities and community involvement, determined to move forward with integrity.
He has a wife and two children.
"I constantly think about my family and want to ensure they don't endure a difficult life. All I desire is to live peacefully and harmoniously with everyone," Abdul said.
Abdul first started his transformational journey after enrolling in a peace project named 'Punguza Vipanga, Jenga Amani' by Green Minds community based organisation.
The project aims to foster peace, promote gender equity, support environmental conservation and empower communities.
The programme is sponsored by the Netherlands through the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action and implemented by the Kenya Community Support Centre.
Abdul said through maskani peace barazas he was moved and decided to tell his story and ask for assistance.
He said since then, it has been a new dawn for him and he won't look back.
Abdul said he has embarked on a journey of advocating peace and campaign against drug abuse.
He said there are many opportunities reserved for young people but many lack guidance and are unaware of the numerous youth projects.
