Prisoners at Maranjau prison in Murang’a South have urged the Kenyan community to welcome those who have completed their jail terms back into society.
Presenting choro verse narration during a colorful ceremony to mark the closure of the year and welcoming the new year organized by Maragua member of Parliament Mary Wamaua at the prison, the prisoners decried the discrimination they face when they are released from prison.
The group expressed disappointment with discrimination and labeling prisoners as “jailbirds,” urging for their reintegration into society and urging for their rebuilding and societal acceptance. The prisoners expressed concern over the increasing number of those who complete their sentences but are re-incarcerated for crimes they did not commit.
Wambua urged prisoners to use their jail time to address potential sexual offenses, urging them to change and create a society free from sexual abuse for girls. Stop using drugs if they misguide your judgement, as re-committing the offense will result in a repeat of the offense and a potential return to prison.
The Legislator criticized the judiciary for its corruption, claiming that financially connected individuals may have bribed to gain freedom for innocent individuals. Hence the speaker emphasized that corrupt judges and magistrates have contributed to the conviction and imprisonment of innocent individuals, particularly those with financial resources.
The prison officer in charge Stephen Ithanzu on his part lauded the discipline of the prisoners noting that they were being shaped by the various training they go through while in prison to exit as not only corrected individuals but also responsible members of the society.
“The prisoners here continue learning and working on our farm as they undertake agricultural lessons so that as they go out they will be able to be easily reintegrated back into society “he observed
He added, “The officer urged citizens to welcome them back and help them restructure their lives and recover the time they spent here, do not discriminate against them as they are already remorseful and have paid for their crimes in full.”
“These are young men in their most productive years so when they are released we hope that they will be able to support their families, be good citizens, and contribute to building the economy of our country”, said Wambua.
The prisoners and those in remand received donations in terms of foodstuff, blankets, and mattresses, personal effects and had an opportunity to reunite with their friends and relatives who had also been invited to the celebrations.
By Florence Kinyua
