Inmates ask MPs to reduce life sentence terming it punitive

By Rawlings Otieno

Inmates have asked MPs to review the law on life sentence and reduce it to a considerable number of years.

The inmates at Kamiti Maximum Prison want the lawmakers to review the sentence noting that it was too punitive, especially for those who had served more than 15 years in prison.

Fredrick Gituma, an inmate for the last 20 years, says that there are those prisoners who have since reformed and it was needless for them to continue rotting in jail.

"Some of us have stayed here for more than 20 years and we have learnt so many courses that can help us serve the country better when outside the facility," says Gituma.

The inmates also want Parliament to review the law so that the amount paid to them while serving as State guests is raised from the current 30 cents to at least Sh60 per day.

They said that 30 cents was too little since the cost of basic commodities had escalated and the amount is not enough even bus fare once they leave the facility.

excellent skills

"Imagine 30 cents per day? This amount even if saved for 30 years cannot be enough for fare if one leaves the prison," adds Gituma.

Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Joshua Yuma said the inmates were highly skilled in various areas and should be given an opportunity to serve the country outside the prison.

Yuma made the remarks during the inspection of the Parliament seats being made at the Kamiti facility in Nairobi on Thursday.

The new seats costing Sh200,000 each for the refurbished chamber in Parliament are expected to be handed over within this month.