29 April 2008
editorial
Nairobi — The Government was yesterday compelled to accede to demands by prison warders, despite hardline stand adopted earlier by Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Prisons Commissioner Gilbert Omondi.
The Government announced that the warders will receive the Sh10,000 they rightfully earned when they helped to quell the post-election chaos in January and February. Similarly, they will be paid Sh5,000 risk allowance besides an assurance that they will also get other provisions like uniforms and better housing.
In light of the climbdown, it must be stated that the Government adopted the wrong method in dealing with the crisis.
Everyone knew that there was a serious problem that required quick and decisive action. But Mr Musyoka and Mr Omondi resorted to issuing threats, which did not help. The warders knew what they were doing was wrong, probably illegal, but they also knew they had genuine grievances.
The least Mr Musyoka and his team could have done would have been to talk to the warders.
But giving in to the warders' demands is a short-term measure. It should actually be the basis for initiating a comprehensive process of tackling the numerous problems afflicting prisons.
The first is the terms and conditions of service of warders, then welfare matters such as housing and uniform. Third is the awful condition of prisons, and fourth, corruption that sacrifices professionalism.
The Vice-President must also reconstitute the committee set up to deal with the crisis. The chairperson, Mr Moody Awori and Mr Abraham Kamakil were the drivers of prison reforms that started in 2003. It is, therefore, absurd to ask them to steer the process afresh.
Lastly, the fact that the warders, who are members of the disciplined forces, resorted to strike contrary to their oath of office, is a chilling message. Unless the Government reviews its strategies for dealing with various groups, it will find itself hurtling from one crisis to another.
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