From a dark cell to freedom, Collins’ story proves that, together, we can make justice possible.
On the night of January 7, 2013, everything changed for Collins Ouma.
He was only two weeks into his new job as a night guard when he heard a commotion at an adjacent building. When he investigated, he found other night guards arguing with a police officer who had been robbed of his police radio and some personal items.
While the officer called for reinforcements, another officer slapped handcuffs on Collins’ wrists. He was bundled into a police car alongside another guard and taken to the police station.
Wrongfully accused of a crime he did not commit, Collins found himself in a dark cell, alone and confused.
The following day, he and the other guard were taken to court and charged with robbery with violence, a charge that can bring a death sentence in Kenya. The bail amount set would have taken Collins 10 years to earn on his guard’s salary.
Collins remained without hope of seeing freedom for two years in prison, facing physical and emotional abuse. He also missed the birth of his son. But hope was not lost for Collins.
Collins’ case was referred to IJM by a credible prison officer. After learning of his plight, IJM reached out to people like you around the world who wrote him letters of support.
“My hope was kept alive by countless emails and cards I received from IJM and supporters from all over the world,” Collins said. He still rereads those letters to this day.
Despite the darkness he endured, he held onto the hope of justice. After months of legal battles, fueled by IJM’s support, he was acquitted. After years, he was awarded compensation for the wrongs that he suffered.
In Kenya, victims of wrongful arrests face significant challenges in obtaining compensation due to systemic barriers. Many lack access to legal representation or adequate resources to fight their cases, making it difficult to prove their innocence and establish grounds for compensation.
However, our IJM teams don’t quit—and neither do you!
Seven years later, we watched Collins become the second IJM client to receive rightful compensation.
“Receiving my compensation validated my suffering and provided a financial means to rebuild my life,” Collins said.
Regardless of all the challenges Collins faced, his story proves that justice is possible—even in the most unlikely cases.
Collins has emerged as a humble leader and passionate advocate for justice. In 2023, Collins became a member of the Leadership Council for the Global Survivor Network, an international group of survivor leaders committed to fostering safe communities through justice systems.
Today, he speaks to duty bearers, in churches and communities to shed light on injustice and call for accountability.
“I want to advocate for all [people living in poverty] to be protected from violence,” Collins said. “I campaign for justice in my community and my country to bring about justice systems that protect everyone in our great nation.”
Do you want to join Collins’ campaign for justice to protect people living in poverty from violence?