Life behind bars has not killed this man’s creativity

Over the years, he had always dreamt that one day he would write a book, yet it was from his jail cell at Naivasha Maximum Security Prison that 52-year-old Kaberia Itaaru achieved his dream.

He has been in death row since 1999 when he was found guilty of robbery with violence by a Nairobi court.

Itaaru insists he was wrongly convicted, and has refused to give up hope that one day he will be set free.

He has, however, used his years behind bars to pursue his dream and now has three books to his name.

His first book, Joys of Solitude, explores the strength he gained after being sentenced to death in 1999. He wrote it while at the execution block at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison. 

“Whereas I thought it was the end of the road for me, it also became an exciting journey for me,” he says. 

He would write his manuscripts late at night. As his fellow prisoners slept, the quiet of the night offered him the chance to write.

When sentenced to death, he says, the first thing that occurs to a condemned man is that he will never see his family again. As time goes by, one starts to discover his inner self; one could even enjoy his solitude.

“Having grown up hearing of names like Manyani, Kamiti and King’ongo, I equated prisons to the scriptural Sodom and Gomorrah.

‘‘However, it was in prison that I was able to give myself a second chance,” added Itaaru.

His major challenge was research, as many of his fellow prisoners were not well read. The Prison Library did not have enough books either.

However, despite all these, he managed to publish his first book in 2009. 

His second book, I’m Waiting Sweetheart, which was published last year, criticises certain traditions among the Meru, where he comes from.

It talks about a couple, a lawyer and a military officer, whose wedding is stopped on the eve of the big day by the council of elders.

It turns out that both were once engaged to a different partner in their early childhood, a practice Itaaru says is common in Tigania, where everything is controlled by the chief and village elders. 

“Retrogressive practices like female circumcision are still rampant in the area” adds Itaaru.

His latest book, A Letter to My Wife, is his true expression of love for the woman who still loves him despite his 10 years behind bars.

Itaaru says his wife supported him throughout his trial and after, unlike other prisoners who had been dumped by their families.

“It is about promising, strengthening and giving hope to the woman who has been waiting for her husband for over a decade now. She has remained a true friend,” says Itaaru.

His wife, a teacher, has been the pillar that holds the family together and has seen all his three children through university. 

Despite having exhausted all his appeals, Itaaru dreams of being free one day and starting up a school with his wife.

He tutors the Naivasha inmates English literature.

Before he was arrested, he had taught literature in six high schools in Meru.

When I met him in the prison compound, he was discussing a short story, The Case of the Prison Monger, about a prisoner who preferred to stay in prison because he received free meals and a roof over his head.

He does not share the same sentiment as prison has not robbed him of his individuality.

“I am now identified by a number. I made mistakes in my life,” he says.

Diplomas in theology

Itaaru now holds two diplomas in theology from the Association of Faith Churches and Ministry.

He once served in the Kenya Air Force. He wants to share his knowledge with other prisoners.

“My sentence was turned into a life sentence from death sentence after amnesty from the president; I believe in miracles,” added Itaaru.

An ardent reader, Itaaru reads a novel every week. His favorite writers are Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Chinua Achebe and Francis Imbuga.

He also reads Robert Ludlum  and Jeffrey Archer.

He regrets not being there for his children for the last 12 years.

“I will never forget how my family cried the day I was sentenced to death. You affect many people when you are imprisoned,” adds Itaaru.

His three children still consider him their hero despite all that happened.