Prison ‘family’ raises Sh400,000 for colleague

By Antony Gitonga

Nakuru, Kenya: In a rare event, inmates, prison warders and friends of Naivasha GK Prison joined hands to raise funds for an inmate who is serving a life sentence and pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Guns, batons and handcuffs were set aside during the colourful event where over Sh400,000 was raised in aid of the inmate, Peter Ndung’u.

Mr Ndung’u is the first inmate in the country’s history pursuing a degree course while in prison.

Ndung’u, a third-year student, said that a well-wisher who had been supporting him pulled out due to financial constrains.

“I was jailed 14 years ago for a crime I did not commit but I resolved not to allow frustration, fear and desperation to blur my vision,” he said.

He thanked the prison department for giving him a second chance noting that despite the challenges and uncertainty about his future, he was committed to learning.

“Though am behind bars I believe I have the potential to excel and given a chance I will make it,” he said.