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Reclaiming Hope Behind Prison Walls 

In the heart of a bustling Kiambu county, sits Kamiti Medium Prison, where the clanging of bars and the murmur of inmates are an everyday reality. A young man named *Duncan (not his real name) finds himself incarcerated for a crime that still baffles him to date. 

In 2016, as a bright and ambitious software engineering student at one of the leading universities in the country, Duncan had an enthusiasm for learning and dreams of a brighter future.  At only 22, he had faced many hardships throughout his life but remained determined to break free from the cycle of poverty that had plagued his family for generations. His path to success seemed clear as he diligently attended college, but circumstances took a sudden turn when he got involved in a relationship with a minor. 

“I got into a relationship with a form two student within my neighborhood. She had tricked me that she was of age and even from the look of her physical appearance, I was so convinced that she was indeed a grownup. Hell broke loose when her family members found out about our relationship and I was accused of defilement,” he sadly confesses  

Duncan was matched by neighbours to the police station where the parents reported the matter. The young man ended up at Kamiti maximum prison for a 15-year jail term but was later transferred to Kamiti Medium where he will stay till 2026.  According to Kenya’s sexual offences Act, defilement carries a maximum sentence of life. 

Duncan says his life took a dramatic turn. “The environment was new to me, I felt incredibly lonely. I struggled to bond with fellow inmates. My days were marked by routine, regret, and a gnawing sense of wasted potential. I spent many nights in the cell, reflecting on the choices that had brought me to this point. The realization that I had dropped out of university, which had once been my dream, made me question the value of my existence in this world.’’ I sank into depression, resorted to self-harm, faking sickness and consuming a few medications that came my way in a bid to commit suicide.  

 One fateful day, an announcement was made about an organization called Crime Si Poa seeking volunteers to join a psychosocial support class. It was a program aimed at helping inmates find a path to mental healing and coping mechanisms. For Duncan the opportunity to make amends with himself in some small way resonated deeply. 

Without hesitation, he applied to be part of the sessions. His sincerity and commitment to change were evident to the organization, and he was accepted into the program. The journey was arduous, involving group sessions, but Duncan’s determination saw him get to love the whole program. 

Duncan was able to share his feelings and experiences with others who had faced similar struggles. This sense of camaraderie helped him feel less isolated and alone in his journey to overcome depression. 

With time and the support, he received from the sessions, Duncan’s perspective on life began to change. He no longer saw prison as the end of his dreams but as a temporary setback on his path to success. He realized that he still had the power to shape his future, even from within the confines of his cell. 

In the end, Duncan learned that while circumstances had led him to prison, it was the support and guidance he received within those walls that gave him the strength to overcome his depression and regain hope to pursue his dreams once his sentence comes to an end. 

Crime Si Poa, Wellness officer Claire Kwamboka, emphasizes the organization’s commitment to equipping inmates with psychological knowledge. “Many inmates endure severe stress due to personal circumstances, community issues back at home, legal battles, and appeals.  The primary goal of these programs is to rehabilitate inmates and address the underlying issues that may have led to their criminal behavior. By providing psychosocial support, inmates can develop the skills and coping mechanisms needed to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens,” she says 

Claire adds that inmates often lack healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and adversity. Psychosocial programs teach them how to manage their emotions, resolve conflicts, and make better decisions, which are essential life skills. 

Currently Crime Si Poa is offering psychoeducation to 5 prisons in Kenya including Kisumu Maximum Prison, Nairobi West Prison, Nakuru men, Kibos Prison and Kakamega Women, reaching a total of 329 inmates in 2023. 

Early this year, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) launched a report that showed that two-thirds of prisoners on death row in Kenya are battling physical and mental health challenges. 

The report, titled “Living with a Death Sentence in Kenya: Prisoners’ Experiences of Crime, Punishment and Death Row,” found that 67 percent of inmates sentenced to death over robbery with violence and murder said their physical health had suffered compared to those whose death sentences had been commuted and who were now serving a life sentence which was at 63.

Hemstone Mugala, a psychologist conducting group therapy at Kamiti Medium Prison, talks of the challenges faced by inmates who struggle to adapt to prison life, adding that accepting their confinement becomes an arduous process, often leading to unproductivity and mental illnesses. 

‘’ Many inmates in prisons experience tremendous stress, finding it difficult to accept their status. That’s why they need continuous therapy to help them reevaluate their situation and regain psychological stability, preventing them from harming themselves ‘’Says Hemstone. 

Currently, a group of 22 inmates, including Duncan, is undergoing a year-long psychoeducation program offered by Crime Si Poa. Topics taught include Stress and stress management, communication skills, HIV and AIDS, self-awareness, assertiveness, resilience, friendship and relationship, conflict and conflict resolution, drug and substance abuse, loss and grief. Upon completion, they will receive certificates, enabling them to assist fellow inmates grappling with mental health issues.  

Duncan is now finding solace and knowledge in these training sessions, gaining insights into psychological matters while serving his sentence. He is hopeful to come out strong and also be mentor others 

Ends.

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A day out with Top Prisons Brass. 

By L.Museka and F.Mwika 

According to the Kenya Prisons Service, the total number of persons committed to prison has risen to almost 60,000 inmates against the inbuilt capacity of about 30,000 inmates. 56 percent of this population is of remand inmates awaiting trials. 

Speaking during her inaugural visit to Correctional facilities in Kisumu after her appointment, Principal Secretary, State Department for Correctional Services, Ms. Salome Beacco said that the government was working in partnership with the judiciary and development partners to explore ways of decongesting the prisons to ensure the inmates have a dignified life. The various methods include alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, fast tracking of cases, community service orders, and the presidential prerogative on the power of mercy. 

She congratulated all newly promoted officers and noted that the promotions had improved staff morale and motivation to service. She further reiterated the department’s commitment to fighting climate change, noting that they have planned to put 20% of prison land under tree cover within the next 5 years.  

The Principal Secretary during a tree planting session during her visit at the Kisumu Command.

While donating blankets and hygiene packs to the adult inmates as well as baby clothes for children who are with their mothers at the Kisumu Women’s Prison, Ms. Beacco acknowledged Crime Si Poa’s donation of cleaning detergents and tissue papers to all the 4,000 inmates in the Kisumu Command. The PS called on other stakeholders and partners to come on board to support the department. Crime Si Poa has, in partnership with the Kenya Prisons Service, been undertaking reformation and transformation of persons in conflict with the law through tailored mentorship, entrepreneurship psychoeducation, and spiritual programs. Besides these programs, Crime Si Poa offers paralegal training for both staff and inmates to enable them to address issues related to trials, appeals, and justice more effectively. 

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner General of the Kenya Prisons Service, Brigadier (Rtd) John Warioba who was accompanying the PS, called on inmates to maintain a high degree of discipline and take advantage of the training and technical courses offered for free in the prisons. He reiterated that these skills would enhance their marketability in the job market upon release.  

CSP Team with the Permanent Secretary posing for a photo

In his speech, Crime Si Poa Executive Director Mr. Pete Ouko reiterated that the organization will continue partnering with the department to impact the lives of those in conflict with the law. He further said that Crime Si Poa is purposed to set up a digital skills lab at the Kisumu Medium Prison to build the employability skills of the inmates for seamless reintegration upon release. Crime Si Poa will also initiate paralegal training for inmates and staff at both the Kisumu Women’s Prison as well as the main prison. 

Mutunga is welcomed by family members after his arrival at home

It is Never Too Late.

Stepping out from Nairobi West Prison into the limelight, Benjamin Mutunga is struck by the overwhelming number of people waiting to receive him. The long drive home soon begins and he marvels at the Nairobi Expressway that was built when he was away from home.

The city soon fades behind and gives way to the vast Kapiti plains. After two hours, Benjamin arrives in his neighborhood and everyone, from the local security representatives to church leaders, seems to be walking quickly with joyous faces as they receive him at his village in Muthengei, Machakos County.

Though looking confused on their expectations, he seems excited to be finally back home.

In June 2023, Benjamin was released from prison after serving a six years sentence. What awaited him was not just a reunion with loved ones, but also an outpouring of support from his community. Accompanied by three chaplains from the Nairobi West Prison, Crime Si Poa Wellness Officer Ms. Claire Kwamboka, and Programmes lead Ms. Flavier Mwika, Benjamin lets a deep and joyful sound rise from his soul.

Upon conviction, Benjamin never imagined that he would regain freedom. “I thought about my family, my community, and my business and wondered how I got myself into such a place. I was so devastated, lost hope and sometimes I thought my end had come. However, I came to learn that prison was not a detention place, but a correctional facility, which had many opportunities to help one reform. This is how I got introduced to Crime Si Poa, a youth-centered organization that educates and empowers young people to build ownership around safety, justice, and socio-economic issues. I am glad that they not only target young people but also the older generation,” he excitedly says.

Flavier Mwika says some of the opportunities Crime Si Poa offers to inmates include training them to be paralegals so that they can support other inmates and the community to understand the law and access justice. “We also offer spiritual guidance and psycho-education as many inmates go through mental health challenges during their incarceration, with research showing high levels of depression and anxiety among inmates. “Detention does not derogate the rights and fundamental freedoms all human beings are entitled to,” says Flavier.

Mutunga posing with CSP staff Flavier(left) and Claire(right)

Benjamin actively participated in the psychoeducation classes that were very instrumental in helping him deal with anger, develop resilience and self-acceptance. Prior to his conviction, he had been involved in drugs and substance use. “The sensitization forums in the prison have really been instrumental in helping me stop using drugs. I have also learned to let go and ask for forgiveness following my actions that cost my freedom. I felt equally guilty and pained when my daughter passed away during my incarceration. I thank Lavington Vineyard church for helping me with spiritual guidance,” says Benjamin.

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Redeemed By Love.

“You live in a world where you feel hopeless but then, you get a second chance where your hope is reignited.” These are the words of one man, James Kang’ethe who has been serving a 20 years sentence and is now free.

As we visit Kang’ethe at his humble home at Murindiko village, in the landscape of Kuresoi South in Nakuru County, we find him skillfully maneuvering the sewing machine, with his eyes reflecting both focus and gratitude. He has found purpose for living and now diligently stitches together garments that speak volumes about his resilience and commitment to a brighter future.” This is my new routine, recreating my purpose and making right what I had done wrong after my reintegration, “ Kang’ethe tells our team. In his shop, there are a few pieces of uniform and a few garments brought by locals for sewing.

Kang’ethe poses with (L) Wellness Officer Ms. Claire Kwamboka and Alvin Kisara (R) after presenting him with the soap-making materials.

The man had been found guilty and convicted way back in 2009, with his hopes of being a free man being dashed. “At that time, what had gone through my mind was a life behind bars with no chance of getting my freedom any soon. This bothered me so much but am glad I gained a number of skills while at the prison that have now come in handy to provide me with an opportunity to earn a living,” he adds  

Kang’ethe is a beneficiary of Crime Si Poa prisons and reintegration programme, which focuses on the holistic reformation and transformation of persons in conflict with the law for seamless reintegration into the community upon release. Targeted inmates go through psychosocial support for their mental wellness and skills development, which helps give alternative means of income. Named after the Phoenix bird because of its rebirth symbolism, the program empowers children and adults in correctional institutions with a growth mindset and pathways to second chances in life.  

Kang’ethe’s brother is excited to be reunited with him. “I am glad that he is back and doing fine and fully equipped with skills that will enable him pick up life and I am so greatful to this programme,” Some of the skills he gained while in prison include metal works, leather works and tailoring  

James Karanja, one of the Nyumba Kumi initiative leaders, a strategy for anchoring community policing confirms that Kang’ethe has indeed transformed and is in agreement that rehabilitation and reintegration programme has helped him pick up his life and focus on a bright future.

Kang’ethe with village mates at Murinduko Shopping Center.

Alvin Kisara, Crime Si Poa, Nakuru Programs Officer, acknowledges that Kang’ethe’s journey is a true reflection of transformation and the urge to rebuild his life.” We have also brought him soap-making chemicals which we hope will supplement his earning here; the village is quite interior and the residents will be happy to buy the commodity from him as he has brough it closes to them, “says Alvin noting that he had acquired the soap making skill while in prison.

Kang’ethe’s story resonates far beyond the borders of Murinduko. Through his challenges, he proves that a person’s past does not define their potential. “I wouldn’t be afloat right now,” if not for the support. “It gives you encouragement and motivation to get up and get out and achieve.”.

To support our reintegration program, kindly see. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YAA4FP9QWN7MN  

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Nairobi West Prison Receives 133 Mattresses from Alliance High School

NAIROBI, KENYA

Crime Si Poa, in partnership with the Alliance high school student welfare group, donated one hundred-thirty-three mattresses to Nairobi west prison to improve the facility’s conditions.

The team was led and accompanied by their deputy headteacher. Mr. Karimi Mwangi and welfare teachers noted that there was a need for students to be exposed to the social dynamics and need to have them see what happens in the prisons. He further urged other schools to take the initiative.” Instead of burning the old mattress after the form fours leave them, it’s noble that we have them donated to the prisons after they have been given voluntarily by the students,” said Mr. Karimi. “You cannot know who will be in prison; when there, you never know what might happen. That’s why we decided to make an impact on those who are suffering,” Mr. Karimi noted.

Mr. Karimi Mwangi, deputy of Alliance High School, addressed the media during the ceremony. Image; CSP comms

The donation was appreciated by the welfare officers and team, who thanked crime Si Poa for the noble work that they are doing through their phoenix program. “The mattress donations that we have received are quite a help since we are experiencing scarcity in the prisons,” said Mr. Enock  Ogeti-Inspector of Nairobi West Prison.  Mr.Ogeto, who is also tasked with looking for partners and outsourcing donations, said, “I call on more partners to come on board and help us improve the situation in the prisons,” he said.

“You may not find or get 900 mattresses the capacity of our facility at a go, but a little help from different stakeholders will eventually meet our need,” he said.

Welfare officer posing with a section of the mattresses. Image; CSP comms

Peter Ouko, Crime Si Poa founder and executive director, thanked the students and the welfare team that made the event a success through their donations, “Leadership demands of us at any given time whichever school you went to. Instead of having the academic bonfire where people burn their mattresses at the end of the four-year course, the students of Alliance decided to keep their mattresses and donate to the society.”

He said that giving out what they are not using is one way to give back to the community. Mr. Pete also called on the criminal justice system to look for alternative ways of solving conflicts instead of sending them to jail.  “Young people’s lives are rotting within our prison system. If you look at Nairobi West, the majority are hawkers, car wash guys who are being kept here even though the constitution says anybody who is supposed to be jailed for less than six months is not supposed to be in prison,” he said.

An inmate getting the mattresses to the facility. Image; CSP comms

Crime Si Poa, through its constant engagement with the communities, has greatly reduced levels of crime in society by creating awareness. “We do not want young people to come here; we are mentoring and helping them to be better citizens in the community,” he narrated. “if you look at the numbers of people in prisons, almost 75% of the number are youths,” he continued.

https://scholarmedia.africa/community-outreach/sleep-for-inmates-as-alliance-school-crime-si-poa-donate-mattresses/

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2023-03-16-alliance-boys-donates-150-mattresses-to-nairobi-west-prison/

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Answered Prayers.

When Ms. Flavier Mwika, Crime Si Poa-Phoenix program manager called Mr. Joseph Kang ‘ethe to go and pick a sewing machine that had been donated by Crime Si Poa from the Nakuru Main Prison, he was over the moon. He could not hide his joy as he mumbled words of gratitude. His prayers had been answered! “Tears dropped from my eyes. I finally had the chance to do something that I loved and I’m good at, I could not believe it, “he said.

Joseph, whose story appears in another article https://crimesipoa.org/hope-restored-in-a-second-chance/ requested well-wishers to donate a sewing machine to him upon his release after serving a 20-year jail term.

Kang’ethe receiving the sewing machine alongside welfare officers at Nakuru main prison

When we made a follow-up call a week after his release to know how he was settling down at his rural home, Kang’ethe was elated about the possibility of owning his own business. “I have rented a shop at our home shopping center-Murinduko where I’m going to run my tailoring business, something that is going to give me great satisfaction,” the excited Kang’ethe remarked.

He was also happy that the community had fully embraced him. “The church and community have fully accepted me back in the fold and I can feel and see their love in their actions, they are my clients at the shop, “he remarked.

Joseph looks forward to increased business once he increases his clientele base. “For a start, I’m grateful that I’m getting my livelihood from this. On a good day I can make $1 (KSH 100) from repairs which I’m grateful for since I’m not begging, he postulated.  He further said that he lives by hope since clients do not come by easily. “I live by hope, that farmers who go out in the forests and have clothes torn come back to me to fix them,” he apprehensively noted.

This has made him anticipate the rains as he also hopes to venture into farming to supplement the little, he is getting from the tailoring business. “I’m waiting for rains so that I can plant, I have prepared the farm and I’m just waiting to plant, hopeful Kangethe told CSP.

Kang’ethe has hit the ground running and started training two gentlemen from his village. He promised to dispense the knowledge once out to the youth while educating them on the dangers and impact of crime. “I took in two gentlemen who were just loitering at the shopping center, and I have been training them how to do tailoring, they have greatly benefitted from the two-hour sessions that I give them daily, like today I’m training them on cuttings,” he noted.

Joseph Nd’ungu one of the beneficiaries of his teaching said that he had benefitted from the training that he is getting. “I used to be an alcohol addict but now I look at the future with hope, thanks to the training I’m getting from Kang’ethe. I’m using time productively to gain life skills. This will help me secure my future,” he commented.

This is motivating Kang’ethe as he said that it had received good feedback from the parents. “Their parents are happy that their sons have had something to do and to keep them busy, “he urged.

His last sentiments, however, will remain inscribed in our hearts and made our faces beam with admiration as he reaffirmed his commitment to working hard toward the future.

“I am not afraid of starting again from zero. I am a hard worker and can comfortably say without a doubt that my future is bright.”

welfare officers receiving the machine at our offices.

Phoenix and Aftercare Manager noted that the organization is happy with the progress the tremendous Kang’ethe has made since. “I’m happy to note that Kang ‘the has greatly improved and his zeal towards improving himself, I also want to thank his community for not stigmatizing him,” she said.

Crime Si Poa continues walking with returning citizens in support through aftercare services, psychosocial support, and in some cases financial help to help them set up once they are reintegrated back into the community.

inmates

Unleashed – The Justice Warriors in our Prisons  

Crime Si Poa has embarked on an intensive justice outreach and legal empowerment program aimed at bridging the gap in legal knowledge and awareness amongst the underserved and vulnerable members of the society. 

The first phase of the training under the Sheria Mashinani (grassroots law) project of the Access to Justice program, and targeting inmates and staff within 5 Kenyan prisons, as well as community members in Kisumu, Vihiga and Nairobi counties respectively has so far seen a record 170 beneficiaries complete the course work within the last 5 months. 

With legal aid in Kenya still largely reserved for murder suspects and child offenders, most inmates facing equally serious cases in our courts, and who previously faced injustice due to inability to afford legal representation, have since gained legal knowledge and skills that have come in handy in advancing their cases in court. 

According to Ms. Sylvia Morwabe  the Programs Director at Crime Si Poa, fairness and equity are fundamental principles on the Constitutional right to fair trial and representation and the paralegal training focuses on equipping inmates and staff with knowledge on accessing and demanding justice. 

“I appreciate the support we have received from the entire leadership of our partners, the Kenya Correctional Services and which has enabled the smooth roll-out of the project. I similarly applaud the inmates and prison staff who enrolled for the program in order to serve the wider prison population and also use the same skill set upon release.” said Sylvia. 

The trained paralegals assist their fellow colleagues in navigating the complex web that is, the justice system. Such knowledge transfer is impactful given that majority of inmates are illiterate and poor.  

“I am delighted with the training Crime Si Poa has been taking us through. It’s more impactful than I expected. I feel empowered and prepared for life after release. I would like to develop enough legal experience to be able to train my fellow inmates and other members of my community,” said John, one of the inmates’ trainees at Thika Main Prison. 

A key outcome of the project is the revelation that joint training of inmates and prison officers has greatly boosted the rehabilitation process and fostered high level of discipline and leadership among the inmates.   

“The group work and classes are excellent, and the trainers are very knowledgeable of the law. One of the most valuable things that I really enjoy from the program is the friendship that I have developed with several inmates. We get together every couple of weeks to catch up, this gives them a feeling of being loved, “said David Kamau an officer at Thika Prison for Men. 

The comprehensive training covered various topics including: appeal drafting skills, the court process, criminal procedure, Law of Evidence, community organizing, fair trial provisions and alternative dispute resolution amongst others. It also had the practical, but fun side of holding mock trails which was done as part of group work. 

“We are delighted to note that whereas some of our beneficiaries’ have used the skills learnt from the trainings to win their freedom in court, some have secured well-paying employment opportunities as a result of the training,” remarks Pete Ouko, the Executive Director at Crime Si Poa. 

As we look forward to the graduation of the latest cohort of our trainees from Thika Main and Women Prisons respectively, we call upon all legal practitioners of goodwill to consider committing some of their time to undertake pro-bono work.  

Did you know that you can get legal information for free at the click of a button? Kindly visit www.sheria.crimesipoa.org and be empowered to empower others. 

macharia

Resilience and Audacity:  A Story of Success After Prison 

The sewing machine is purring as another order for a customer is being put together. It is only two years since James Macharia walked out of prison after serving a 15-year sentence, and though the transition from prison life and back into the community was tough, James has put all that behind him and is gainfully putting to practice the sewing skills acquired while incarcerated.

Even though there is a presumption that sentences served are commensurate with the offence one is convicted of, and the Kenya Prisons Service prides itself as a correctional service of excellence in Africa and beyond, the reality is that Macharia, just like many other returning citizens (ex-inmates), find it difficult to get jobs or even finances to start business upon release to due to the much dreaded “certificate of good conduct”  from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).  

“After serving many years in prison, I faced a lot of challenges including stigma when I was released. The hardest part was getting a job or even money to start a business with the skills I had acquired. I knocked on various office doors with hopes of getting assisted to acquire an electronic sewing machine in vain. In most cases all I got was empty promises,” reckons Macharia.

According to Macharia, days quickly turned to weeks, weeks turned to months and months to a year, without securing any financial help to start a business to sustain his livelihood. He had whoever vowed and determined to not give up or allow himself to relapse into crime as an alternative to earn a living.

“I almost lost hope, but when I remembered how far I had come from my former life in crime, I decided to push harder. Sometimes you feel like doing the unthinkable, but you realize that crime doesn’t pay. I choose to approach Crime Si Poa, an organization that was founded in prison and which is now creating change in the society. This was a game changer and a beacon of hope to me,” said Macharia adding “To date, I remain grateful for the financial help I got from the organization.”  

Crime Si Poa through its empowerment initiative program granted James Macharia, financial assistance to purchase an electronic sewing machine that quickly helped him realize his dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

Born and raised in Nairobi, Macharia was able to quickly identify a niche for a proper location for his business and establish a customer base. His decision to start his business in the busy Jua Kali area of Ngara, aided him to tap into the thriving matatu industry.

“I have skills in sewing attained while in prison. When I got out of prison, I didn’t want to waste the skills. I am happy that today I have a customer base around Ngara area in Nairobi. Most of the cool seat covers in Matatus are made by me. This makes me feel satisfied,’’ Macharia said.

Through partnership with The Answer Foundation, a Dutch based Christian organization that focus on holistically empowering inmates and ex-inmates through spiritual, pyscho-social and employability skills, returning citizens like Macharia, have secured a second chance in life, and are now also offering job opportunities to other Kenyans. This not only helps reduce recidivism but also leads to reduced crime rates in society. 

Other than sewing and upholstery, the multi -skilled Macharia is also NITA certified mechanic, carpenter, and welder. “I am requesting those who have got jobs, to bring to me as I am qualified while my charges are pocket friendly,” concluded Macharia.

Crime Si Poa has always been on the front line of empowering returning citizens, to ease their reintegration into society.

James is proof of resilience, audacity, and focus. A model citizen worth supporting. You may call our office number 0741506060 if you want to place orders to, or support James.