What began as a hopeful journey to build a better future in Saudi Arabia ended in heartbreak for a woman from Mombasa, who found herself arrested and eventually deported after unknowingly violating one of the country’s strict laws.
Ann Muthoni has now shared her painful story, revealing how a simple act of honesty during a police interview completely changed the course of her life.
Speaking to senior producer King’ori Wangechi, Ann recounted how she had travelled to Saudi Arabia seeking greener pastures. While there, she entered into a relationship with a Saudi national, and together they had two sons. However, the couple had never officially married—a fact that would later have devastating consequences.
According to Ann, life took a difficult turn after her partner was arrested shortly after the birth of their second child, Reign. Left alone to raise both boys in a foreign country, she struggled to balance motherhood without the support of their father.
One ordinary day quickly turned into a nightmare when her older son wandered out of the house unnoticed and was found walking alone in the streets. Concerned police officers rescued the child and took him to a nearby police station.
When Ann arrived to collect her son, officers began asking routine questions about her family. Believing she had nothing to hide, she answered truthfully, explaining that the boys’ father was a Saudi national and that they were not legally married.
“I didn’t know that the same information I was giving them would be used against me. I had no idea that having children outside marriage in Saudi Arabia is considered a serious offence,” she recalled.
Within moments, the conversation turned into an arrest. Ann was handcuffed and taken into custody, leaving her stunned and terrified.
The ordeal became even more painful because baby Reign was still crawling and completely dependent on her. She described the prison experience as emotionally exhausting, saying she had to care for her infant in detention while worrying constantly about her older son.
“At that time, Reign couldn’t even walk. He was crawling, so I had to carry him everywhere. It was one of the hardest moments of my life,” she said.
After spending time in custody, Saudi authorities eventually deported Ann back to Kenya.
She explained that returning home with both of her children was only possible because their Saudi father gave formal consent for them to leave the country. Without his approval, the children could have remained behind.
Now back in Mombasa, Ann says she is grateful that her sons are safe and close to family. Despite the painful experience she endured, she still hopes that one day she and her partner will reunite, formalise their relationship through marriage, and rebuild their family.
Her story has sparked widespread discussion about the challenges faced by Kenyans working abroad, particularly in Gulf countries where cultural norms and legal systems differ significantly from those back home. It also serves as a reminder that anyone planning to live or work overseas should familiarise themselves with local laws, especially those relating to family life, relationships, and children’s rights, to avoid unexpected legal consequences.
