Inmate serving life term scores 376 marks

By ANTONY GITONGA

Naivasha Prison once again made history when an inmate, Patrick Nyagah M’muratha who is serving a life sentence scored 376 marks in the KCPE exam.

It was the highest mark an inmate has scored in the facility’s history, prompting staff to join the prisoners in song and dance.

The Officer in Charge Patrick Mwenda said this was the best achievement since learning started in the prison.

An elated Mwenda praised the teachers and candidates for a job well done despite challenges.

"The teachers who have done this noble job are not from Teachers Service Commission, but fellow inmates eager to assist their colleagues," he said. The officer admitted that learning had assisted in reforming the inmates and challenged them to perform even better next year.

Prayers, hard work

Nyagah, 40, who was overwhelmed with joy said he dropped out of school in class six.

"I blame illiteracy for my woes but I have shown that through education one can make it in society," he said.

He said despite his age he would continue to pursue education and challenged the Government to consider bright students in prison.

Victor Kiplagat Koech, who is serving seven years for impersonation, came second with 370. Koech attributed his success to prayers, hard work and determination.

"Education is all in the mind and we have shown that we can make it in life through education in the prison," he added. Out of the 39 inmates who sat the exam, 19 including ten on life sentence scored over 300 marks.

However, Sunguosi Kipkemoi and Leerte Lesiaton scored 111 and 113 marks.