Maseme Machuka
28 April 2008
Nairobi — Attention has now turned to the committee Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, appointed to deal with the prison warders' strike.
Headed by former VP, Mr Moody Awori, the team has been given one month to investigate and compile a report to be given to Kalonzo for action.
Many have raised concerns over the constitution of the committee, saying the matter was an issue of national importance and should be addressed.
But Kalonzo has defended the committee, saying Awori, having been at the ministry for five years, understands the subject better and will help make comprehensive reforms.
The committee, which will have representatives from the Public Service ministry and the Directorate of Personnel Management, will look into the grading disparities in the Prisons Department.
The Finance ministry representative will help over the contentious risk allowance and salary increase that led to the strike.
The Ministry of Housing will also be represented and will have input over housing problems in prisons.
Housing for wardens has been a big challenge to the ministry since Awori initiated prison reforms. The two ministries - Finance and Housing - are key to the sector as housing and allowances were the main causes of the strike.
Other members of the committee include former Commissioner of Prisons, Mr Abraham Kamakil, and former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Japheth Masya.
Others are Mr Benea Mutsosto, the Reverend Kepha Omae and Sheik Shariff Hussein.
The joint secretaries will be Mrs Emily Gatuguta and Mr Davis Chirchir.
Kalonzo said the Government would not condone indiscipline in the department and those involved in the strike would face the law.
"Once we receive a report concerning the breach of the prison code of ethics, we will act accordingly," he said.
The VP said lack of good management in the Prisons Department led to the go-slow.
"I ask for tolerance and ask the officers to continue with their work and wait for the committee to complete its work. Once it does, what they will submit will be implemented," he said.
The VP cut short his trip with the President and the Prime Minister in the Rift Valley to address the crisis.
Kalonzo, however, acknowledged that prisoners were living in pathetic conditions.
"We were shocked to see on television and in the newspapers shanties in the name of houses where the officers live. This should not be happening in the 21st Century. We shall address the issues," he said.
Kalonzo spoke as warders in Kamiti, Nairobi Remand and Lang'ata prisons vowed to continue with the go-slow until their grievances were addressed.
Even the setting up of the Awori committee could not satisfy the angry warders.
"We invite you to come on Monday (today) and witness the mother of all go-slows... We are tired of these commissions," a warder told this writer.
He went on: "Some inmates are living well yet some of us cannot even afford TV sets. We cannot continue to suffer in the name of upholding our code of ethics."
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