Jane Waithera, a 33-year-old and mother of one is still coming to terms with feelings of betrayal.
The devastated Waithera narrates to Mtaa Wangu how she recently arrived in Kenya from Saudi Arabia, only to discover that her mother had squandered the Sh 400,000 that she had entrusted her to keep.
“I am a class seven drop out and did not manage to continue with my studies due to the abuse I got from my step dad,” she begins.
According to Ms Waithera, she learnt of the opportunity in Saudi Arabia through a friend who introduced her to an agent in 2019.
With luck on her side, she got a job. This job marked new beginnings for Waithera who saw it as a relief.
“The new move meant a lot of comfort to me since my mum had abandoned me after getting married to another man.”
Ms Waithera states she left her five-month old daughter with her mother and travelled to seek a better life.
According to her, the first few days in Saudi Arabia were difficult as the house was very dirty and she had to clean it.
She narrates how she suffered in the Gulf Country. At one point, the husband to her boss tried taking advantage of her. This was the incident that birthed an escape plan for Waithera with one aim; to return to Kenya in one piece.
“I informed my friend about what was happening. Together, we formulated a plan which involved me dressing like a man since it was easier for me to move around like that,” she recalls.
On her way to the airport, her plan was foiled by three men who discovered she was not a man, calling the police on her. She later had to bribe her way out of the Gulf country.
“I was excited to come back home, knowing I had secured my family’s future with enough savings to start a business and provide for my aging mother and daughter,” she expresses.
But when she arrived towards the end of 2021, her castle of dreams came crushing down.
“My excitement turned to shock when I found out that I only had Sh30,000 in the bank account, instead of the Sh 400,000 I had tirelessly sent for one and a half years.”
Tears welled up in Ms Waithera’s eyes as she did not understand why her mother had to do that to her.
“It is from that point that I decided never to call her ‘mum’ again. Even though I forgave her, we hardly talk. That incident injured our relationship
Now, back in Naivasha town, Waithera is looking for a sustainable job that will enable her take her daughter through school and cater to her basic needs.
