WATCH: “My Payment Was Becoming His Wife” — Ex-Kamiti Inmate’s Forced Marriage Tale Breaks Kenyans' Hearts

A former inmate of Kamiti Maximum Security Prison has sparked an emotional reaction on TikTok after opening up about a deeply troubling experience he went through while serving time.

A Difficult Childhood Marked by Poverty

Speaking during an interview with Itugi TV on Wednesday, January 7, Patrick Kamau recounted how he was coerced into what he described as a “marriage” with a fellow male inmate during his five-year prison sentence.

Kamau, who was raised by a single mother, said life was difficult from an early age. He explained that his mother struggled to provide for him and his brother, often leaving the family without enough food. Financial hardship also forced him to drop out of school after completing Class Eight, as there was no money to pay his fees.

From Survival Hustles to Prison Time

In an attempt to make ends meet, Kamau later turned to illegal fishing at Lake Naivasha. That decision would ultimately land him in trouble with the law.

He was arrested in 2019 and sentenced to five years in prison, before being released in 2024 at the age of 26.

A Chance Encounter Inside Kamiti Prison

While narrating his time behind bars, Kamau explained that things took a dark turn when he met another inmate while working in the prison kitchen.

At first, he believed the man was simply being kind, especially since he had regular access to food — something Kamau had long been deprived of.

“I thought I was lucky because I was eating well,” he said, adding that the comfort made him momentarily forget the harsh reality of prison life.

Kindness With Conditions

Kamau later realised that the generosity came with expectations. He said the inmate eventually made it clear that he wanted “payment” for the favours, leaving Kamau confused as to how he could possibly repay him while incarcerated and unemployed.

According to Kamau, the man later confronted him and bluntly stated that his payment would be sexual submission, even presenting him with a ring and referring to Kamau as his “wife.”

‘Weddings’ Behind Bars

The revelation stunned the interviewer, though Kamau narrated the ordeal with a nervous laugh.

He further claimed that such arrangements are not uncommon in Kamiti, alleging that inmates even hold informal “wedding” ceremonies.

Kamau recalled that his own so-called wedding took place on a day rice was being served, joking that the meal was unusually plentiful.

‘I Left It in God’s Hands’

Faced with limited choices and the reality of a long sentence ahead, Kamau said he felt trapped.

“I left everything to God,” he explained, adding that survival and access to food became his priority under the circumstances.

TikTokers React With Shock and Sympathy

His story has since touched many online, with TikTok users expressing heartbreak, anger, and sympathy over what he endured.

Some called for Kenyans to support him as he rebuilds his life, while others described his experience as exploitation by someone who positioned himself as a saviour.

Several viewers noted the visible pain in Kamau’s eyes, saying his story reflected deep emotional scars, while others simply offered words of encouragement and wished him a better future.

Watch the clip below: