Bungoma Bishop Catholic Diocese Rt Rev Mark Kadima has urged Kenyans to embrace the spirit of peace, love and unity during the festive season.
Speaking during the commissioning of 54 inmates at Korinda main prison as Catholic faithful, Bishop Kadima said that, with forgiveness, such institutions could not be filled.
“I want to ask all of us to embrace the spirit of forgiveness. Let’s forgive each other for God to forgive us too. Let’s also embrace peace and love to one another this time. If you have something it is good to share with one another and that will be showing the love of Christ,” he said.
He also presented his Christmas gifts to the inmates which included foodstuffs, clothes and other essential items for the inmates.
The Deputy in charge of the Prison SP Moses Ekombe asked the churches to continue supporting them so that they can meet the needs of the inmates.
“The government is providing the necessities to us but it is not enough to meet the needs of the inmates. We continue to urge the church to support us so that our brothers and sisters who are here can also feel comfortable,’ he said.
Ekombe asked the church to pray for the officers dealing with the inmates for wisdom in handling them.
“Many people think that prison is a place of suffering but that’s not the case. It’s just a place of correction that makes one even a better person. We have seen many who had not been baptized but while in prison they have. We have also seen today people graduating to be full members of Catholic men association (CMA) and Catholic women association. (CWA)”
SP Everline Papa who is in charge of women’s prison said that confirmation of the inmate to the associations comes with greater expectations and commitments.
“In my section, I have around 50 women and out of them, 3 have been commissioned to the Catholic women association. This now comes with commitment as they are now expected to live as a good example to others and even help fellow inmates on good guidance and direction according to the ways of God. This rehabilitation changes them where, after serving their sentences, they get back to the community when fully conformed,” she said.
Benson Ledama, an inmate at the prison, asked the families to embrace forgiveness so that they can save young people from being taken to prison.
“We have many people who are here because of petty offences that could have been forgiven. Let’s try to solve family issues amicably and not in a way that makes one to be imprisoned,” he said.
The facility has a total of 700 inmates currently.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
