Murang'a Man Who Overcame Substance Addiction After 17 Years Begs For Job, Help To Join College

• Francis Mwangi, a 32-year-old man from Murang'a, has conquered a staggering 17-year-long battle with substance addiction
• Mwangi shared his journey of transformation from a life marred by addiction to his current state of sobriety, and his heartfelt plea for assistance in securing employment
• His descent into addiction began at the tender age of 15, triggered by the divorce of his parents in 2004

Francis Mwangi, a 32-year-old resident of Murang'a, has emerged victorious against a harrowing 17-year battle with substance addiction.

Mwangi's life spirals downwards after parents' divorce

His journey, filled with trials and tribulations, took a positive turn in May 2023 when a crackdown on illegal substances by local authorities provided him with an opportunity to transform his life.

In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Mwangi shared his remarkable story of redemption and his plea for support from the government and well-wishers.

Having fallen into the clutches of addiction at a young age, Mwangi's life took a downward spiral following his parents' divorce in 2004.

He found himself caught in the trap of illegal substances, including alcohol, bhang, chavez (a street substance), and miraa (khat).

Mwangi recounted his struggles, revealing that his academic performance suffered as a result of his escalating addiction.

"After going to high school, that's when I started smoking bhang and using chavez in Form Three, together with friends. My academic performance became poor as I got seriously addicted to them," Mwangi stated.

What effects did addiction have on Mwangi?

Despite his initial achievements, such as scoring 341 marks in his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams, Mwangi's life took a dark turn.

Following high school, he fell into a cycle of alcohol and miraa consumption.

His addiction led him to engage in criminal activities to sustain his habit, including theft and conning people for money.

In 2017, he was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, a consequence of his destructive lifestyle.

"I lived a miserable life. Family, relatives, and friends had disowned me. Everyone was expecting addiction to be the death of me. I remember I stayed away from home for even 5 years," Mwangi recounted, his voice laden with the weight of his past.

His story of redemption began in May when a crackdown on illegal substances, spearheaded by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, facilitated his entry into the St. Martins rehabilitation centre.

Mwangi finally breaks free from addiction

The support he received there allowed him to finally break free from the chains of addiction and regain control of his life.

However, his newfound sobriety has introduced a new challenge: idleness.

Mwangi highlighted the plight of many recovering addicts who, like him, find themselves jobless and idle after leaving rehabilitation.

He voiced concerns that the lack of productive engagement could potentially lead them back into the grip of addiction.

Mwangi appealed to the government and well-wishers to come forward and support their efforts to reintegrate into society.

"Many of us recovering addicts who are jobless and idle face risks of getting back to addiction. Please highlight our story to reach the government or well-wishers who can take us to colleges or give us jobs," Mwangi pleaded earnestly.

What request does Mwangi have?

"Depression will overtake us. We've left substance abuse behind, now please give us jobs, even if it's just as basic as a farm worker," he added.

With a KCSE grade of C-, Mwangi's educational background stands as an obstacle to his aspirations for a better future.

Nevertheless, he remains determined to turn his life around.

He called on the government and potential supporters to consider his plea, as well as the plea of others like him, and offer opportunities for education and employment that would empower them to lead fulfilling lives.

"I am in a lot of pain. Imagine every time I ask for a job, I don't get one, and I haven't pursued any further education. I left substances behind, and people see it as a miracle that I am sober," he said.

Dog overcomes alcohol addiction

In a separate story, a two-year-old dog in Plymouth, Western England, had been treated for alcohol addiction by an animal rescue centre in the first case of its kind.

The male canine, identified as Coco, was brought into Woodside Animal Rescue Trust, together with another dog, following the death of their owner.

Taking to Facebook, the rescue shelter said the animals required emergency care soon after their arrival as they were convulsing.

The centre's staff said the dogs became dependent on alcohol when their owner left out drinks before he went to sleep.