Dumbstruck, distress and trauma covered the faces of five young Kenyans who returned home yesterday after days of being held in unknown places.

It was an emotional reunion for them as they embraced their parents, relatives and friends who gathered when news went around that they had been found.

Immense joy and relief characterised the return of Billy Mwangi, Ronny Kiplangat, his brother and cartoonist Gideon Kibet Bull, Peter Muteti and Bernard Kavuli after their families waited for days on ends for them.

From the emotional moments in court to the endless search for their children, the families did not comprehend the true meaning of the festive season that has just ended, as they prayed and hoped for their return, unharmed.