News
Just jail me, only let me read
Information is power, as these inmates at the Naivasha Maximum Security Prison know only too well. A former inmate at the reform facility, Joel Mwangi, has expressed his desire to return to jail to pursue higher education. Photo/ MACHARIA MWANGI.
Posted Monday, December 14 2009 at 22:00
In Summary
- Ex-prisoner has his fingers crossed as he awaits verdict on plea over schooling
“I finally settled on returning to jail where studying was for free,” he confesses.
Mr Mwangi who doubles up as motivational speaker could not think of committing a crime to land back into jail. It would set a bad precedent.
He decided to visit the local probation office and ask for help. But they, too, were taken aback by the request.
“The call was unusual, and we had to consult the relevant authorities,” said district probation officer Jane Wairimu Mwenja.
But early in the week, Mr Mwangi decided to pay visit to his former abode and express his desire to the local Prisons boss, Mr Patrick Mwenda.
And the return was nostalgic. Former inmates were at hand to welcome back a jovial Mr Mwangi. He seemed at home in prison.
His former tutor and inmate, Mtalii, could not hide his joy. The reunion was emotional as other inmates unaware of what was happening, watched from a distance. The warm hugs and pleasantries told it all. Momentarily, Mr Mwangi felt as if his wish had been granted.
The attentive Mr Mwangi was in for more surprises. A former inmate Justin Tony Mabuka had secured an A- in the 2008 KCSE. His dream of starting the secondary section was finally paying off.
Mr Mwenda, the prison boss, was unsure of what to make of it. Maybe prison was the place to be.
“I have never in my career witnessed such a phenomenon. Few people who have been jailed would dream, let alone imagine, returning to prison under whatever capacity,” said the prison boss.
The unfolding scenario was like a script from a movie.
But Mr Mwenda too was categorical about Mr Mwangi’s wish.
“Currently, we have no such provision within the Prisons Department. But we are greatly humbled by your request,” he told him.
He promised to consult further on the issue. However, Mr Mwenda cited a programme in Canada known as Halfway Home, where inmates spend their time within the prison quarters after being released.
“If we had such a programme maybe Mr Mwangi could have benefited from it,” the prison boss said.
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Submitted by tusker78Posted December 17, 2009 04:22 PM
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Submitted by maina
With stories of money getting "lost" that was meant for primary kids, its maddening to know someone can deprive kids of primary education, shame on the people behind this kind of corruption!! and all other corrupt individuals who steal public funds, your 40 days will come!
Posted December 16, 2009 10:37 AM -
Submitted by Jossseph
Isn't it a shame that Kenya has nothing to offer adults who have realized the value of education and would like to pursue it? It really is a sad situation. A man wants to study and earn a honest living and Kenya offers him nothing? Hello Minister for education, why are you sleeping on the job?
Posted December 16, 2009 02:18 AM -
Submitted by niwangotho
Just give the man the chance to read and pertain that he desires. This is a good example that Kenya's correctional facilities have come a long way from the brutal beatings to those that churn out inmates with a better look of things in life. This was all started by Mheshimiwa Moody Awori keep the dream going.
Posted December 16, 2009 12:49 AM -
Submitted by vgogero
Not really why can he not be employed as a lay tutor under the dept of home affairs since in mates are also in need of formal education not just to be taught carpentry or tailoring .
Posted December 15, 2009 05:29 PM
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these are crooks looking for an easy life. put them back on the streets to earn a crust instead of cowering to them...prisons are not permanent residences. they are to punish and never make you want to go in again..we are pampering to them.