Open day for inmates at Nakuru women prison

It was a rare occasion for 112 inmates from the Nakuru Women Maximum Prison as they got a chance to meet their relatives for the first time since they were put behind the bars.

Speaking during the occasion, the officer in charge Ms Rosemary Njenga said that the program is intended to help integrate the outgoing inmates into the society as they prepare to get out and continue with their lives.

“This will also help reduce the gap between the inmates and their families as they continue serving their terms,” she said.

The open day, which is the first one at the institution, is also meant to help the inmates reconcile with the society and help them to be accepted back once they leave prison.

INTERACT WITH FAMILIES

“The program is facilitated by the prison administration together with well-wishers and aims at ensuring that all inmates get a chance to interact with their families and share a meal unlike the normal visits where they only interact for a few minutes.

Jane Mugure, an inmate for the last five years and a single mother of three, had to leave her children without care forcing her first born daughter to drop out of school to take care of her siblings.

With three months remaining, the family could not hide the joy of seeing their mother for the first time in five years. All this time she was not given a chance to meet her children.

“I cannot find words to thank the administration for the chance of being with my children today,” she added.

Their conversation revealed a gap that has grown over time due to their separation.

Another inmate, Mary Muiruri, a mother of three, also had to leave her children under the care of her husband Henry Karanja whose task has not been easy.

GREAT CHALLENGE

To him raising the three children has been a great challenge as it came as a surprise to him and the children who had not previously lived away from their mother.

“It was hard at first especially with the tough economic times as I have to provide for all their needs and also be there when they needed me,” he said

Despite all this, Muiruri was grateful for getting a chance to visit his wife and have time to interact and make up for the time they had been separated.

Besides the assistance to reform, the inmates have also acquired various skills in weaving, knitting and sewing.

The prison currently holds 176 inmates.