Ken is a living testimony of how drugs almost destroyed his life six years ago. Seated in a serene environment at Jorgs Rehab, Ken narrates how a mob almost lynched him in what was an escape after stealing from a neighborhood.
The 27 years old man from Kenya is today free from drugs, employed as a counselor and is helping others recover from addiction.
It started from his roots
Kenneth’s drinking problems started right from his family. He was raised by a family full of domestic violence and disputes. He was also in an identity dilemma during his childhood. Raised by parents from two different and conflicting tribal communities, Ken always had a problem choosing which community to associate with.
What triggered him to start using drugs?
Ken associated with relatives who were using drugs and alcohol.
“My father and uncles were active users of cigar and alcohol.”
After completing his high school studies, he started experimenting with cigarettes, miraa, cocaine, and soon he was into alcohol.
Depression and Denial after Joining College
Ken was a bright student, but his love for the bottle and influence from peers later cost him his studies. He says, “I was lucky to join campus, but in second year my addiction got worse and out of control.”
The loss of his mother during his second year was a major blow and a contributing factor to his addiction. He lived in denial after losing a person he was so attached to. He lost appetite, drank more and ignore family and friends.
Ken eventually started engaging in crimes to satiate his hunger for drugs. His life became a mystery to his family, and he later dropped out of school.
First Mob Justice Escape
The years that followed saw Ken join big gangs and steal in campus and from neighbors. During this period, the public had become aware of his devious deeds and planned to lynch him.
In 2013, Ken was almost beaten to death by the angry mob but was rescued by the police who took him to Kahawa Sukari police station.
His grandfather, who was then his closest relative, came to his rescue.
“My grandfather decided to take me away from the city to go and work on his farm. He thought staying in the city was the main factor for my drinking and criminal activities.”
Second Mob Justice Escape
After staying with his grandfather in the village for a while, the two decided it was time for Ken to go back and complete his studies. He went back to campus but hadn’t stopped using drugs.
This time he even became worse and joined renowned gangs in his neighborhood.
Ken says, “I didn’t register for that semester although I was given school fees. I sold my clothes and all the household items (except the bedding) to get money for drugs.”
His angry neighbors got fed up with his crimes and planned to destroy him, but once again he escaped after the home care taker tipped him of the neighbors’ plans.
Ken was tired of how his life had turned out and started contemplating suicide.
Journey to recovery
After witnessing how unbearable his grandson’s life had become, Ken’s grandfather suggested him to join a rehab.
Recalling his career dreams and how his classmates had gone ahead of him, Ken agreed with his grandfather’s proposal.
He joined rehab in 2016, and during his stay, Ken grew and embraced recovery. He achieved total sobriety and was drug-free.
It was during his recovery that he also developed a passion for counseling. After his stay in the rehab, Ken went back to school and pursued a course in addiction counseling which he successfully completed.
Today Ken is a certified addiction counselor and works at Jorgs Rehab Centres.
His advice to people undergoing addiction
Ken says he is privileged to be alive and finds satisfaction in helping others overcome addiction.
“There is a sacrifice in the rehab program. The team of counselors comprises people who have been in recovery. Constant communication with family and counselors is essential in the recovery process.”
He encourages people facing addiction and any other mental disorders to seek help and restore their lives.
For those who don’t believe in recovery and happy endings like Ken’s story, here is his last words to you.
“Addiction is a powerful disease, and you have to be cautious of the do’s and don’ts to safeguard your recovery. Sobriety is real and it’s the best thing that can ever happen to an addict. Let’s embrace the program from the start. It works, if you work it.
Do you need someone to talk to about your addiction?
We are here for you.
Talk to us now on 0713692848.