Ruth, once crowned Miss Lang’ata 2016, is now serving a life sentence at Lang’ata Women’s Prison following a deadly altercation that ended the life of her partner, Farid Mohammed.
In a rare first-person account, Ruth opens up about the events that led to the tragedy, shedding light on the complex mix of love, betrayal, and fear that culminated in a fatal confrontation.
Ruth describes her life before prison as “full of hope,” recalling the excitement of young love in Nairobi. She met Farid in a chance encounter and quickly fell for his charm, describing him as “tall, handsome, with warm eyes and a smile that pulled you in.”
Their relationship progressed swiftly, culminating in cohabitation in Buru Buru.
“We laughed until my stomach hurt, shared kisses that felt like promises, and I gave him my whole heart,” she says.
The turning point came when Ruth discovered Farid’s HIV-positive status through his antiretroviral treatment card, which he had never disclosed.
Confronting him that night led to a heated argument, during which Ruth claims Farid threatened her life.
“Panic took over. Rage. Betrayal. Fear for my own life. I felt trapped,” she recalls. In the moment, she says, she acted in self-defense, stabbing him 25 times.
The High Court tried Ruth in 2018, initially sentencing her to death.
Her sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment, reflecting broader changes in Kenya’s penal system, where no executions have taken place in decades.
Ruth’s story has drawn attention not only because of the crime but also due to her unusual status as a prison beauty queen.
She won the Miss Lang’ata title in 2016 while awaiting trial, a juxtaposition that shocked many who could not reconcile her past persona with the violent act.
Despite incarceration, Ruth has sought to rebuild her life from within the prison walls. She completed a law degree through the University of London program and now assists fellow inmates in understanding their legal cases.
“It’s something to hold onto—maybe a tiny piece of redemption,” she says, reflecting on the path she has forged despite the shadow of her actions.
Ruth’s story underscores the dangers of secrecy and the destructive potential of hidden truths in intimate relationships.
“Love built on lies is dangerous. Secrets can kill—slowly or suddenly,” she reflects.
Now, every night behind the thick walls of Lang’ata Women’s Prison, Ruth carries the weight of her decisions, acknowledging the irreversible consequences of one fateful night.