Residents in Lurambi, Kakamega County are reeling in shock after a man who went missing for 17 years returned home.

Locals in Emukoyani, Butsotso Ward broke into song and dance as 42-year-old Boniface Moi Muyeshi showed up unannounced.

"He left home for Nairobi back in 2006. He left his family behind never to be seen again," a resident told Citizen Digital.

A prayer session preceded a cleansing ceremony and the prodigal son was then reunited with his kin.

His joy was however short lived after he was informed that his wife has had a child with another man.

"We suspected that he had died during the 2007/2008 post election skirmishes," his relative Fredrick Witumbele said.

The family welcomed their son in traditional fashion, slaughtering a ram in the process.

Muyeshi's wife Agripina Mulupi however said, she has had it rough raising their three children.

"I settled down with someone else as I was not able to raise these children on my own," Agripina added.

She however said following her husband's return, she would love to turn over a new leaf.

"I had to send my current lover away as the man of the house had made a return. We will make plans on how to co-parent," she added.