The following year he studied guidance and counselling at Strathmore, a skill that has been handy to him and fellow prisoners. With the help of the prison authority he received an admission letter to study, through distance learning, at the University of Nairobi. A Nakuru preacher, John Kimani William, has been paying his fees since January this year.
Two months ago, he sat his first semester exams at the university and emerged among the top students.
“I was ferried to Nairobi to sit the exams. I have developed a good relationship with my classmates and teachers at the university,” he says.
An avid reader, Ndung’u believes that God had a reason for his arrest saying that the counselling and CPA courses have turned him into a mentor to many.
“Many inmates are in denial and it’s hard for them to change. I am always there to offer the much that I can,” he says.
Due to his commitment, trustworthiness and dedication, he has his own cell and is the only inmate allowed to have a laptop and access to the internet in the prison. He hopes that his good performance will be noted and he is allowed to serve the nation as a free man.
The officer in charge of the prison, Patrick Mwenda, says Ndung’u is the brightest inmate he has ever encountered.
“Ndung’u’s desire to seek education has surprised many and we are doing the best to assist him,” he says.
He adds: “It’s psychological torture for inmates serving life as they are unsure of the future but Ndung’u has put this aside and is one of a kind.”
The principal of prison education programme, Bonventure Mutari, also an inmate, says Ndung’u is an inspiration to many.
Prison welfare officer Jackson Tumwet says Ndung’u is a role model to many including the warders. “The inmate has challenged many of us who are free as he has done miracles while behind bars,” he says.
