Nyeri — Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accompanied by his spouse Pastor Dorcas Gachagua and leaders from Nyeri County, welcomed the new year by celebrating with thousands of prisoners at Kingongo Prison in Nyeri County.
During the visit, Gachagua and the accompanying leaders joined the inmates for a meal and conveyed a message of hope. Gachagua assured the prisoners that the Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to implementing reforms that will improve their lives.
He shared, "During the campaign, some Kenya Kwanza leaders who were opposed to us and the president threatened that if they came to power, I would be jailed here. Today, I want to repay them by sharing a meal with you. You are Kenyans, and we care about you just as we care about those outside these walls."
Gachagua also addressed the inmates' future prospects, stating that the Kenya Kwanza administration is planning to introduce reforms in correctional facilities. These reforms will provide inmates with courses and training to better prepare them for life after their release.
"As a government, we are committed to introducing these reforms and relevant courses that will be beneficial to you. We aim to ensure that when you leave here, you can be seamlessly integrated back into the community, equipped with skills and knowledge gained during your time in the correctional facility," Gachagua added.
Furthermore, Gachagua pledged that the government would work on establishing mechanisms to make the prison self-sufficient in food production, with the surplus being sold to the Kenya Police College.
Pastor Dorcas Gachagua also addressed the inmates during the visit, delivering a sermon that encouraged prisoners not to lose hope despite their incarceration. She urged them to focus on personal reform and aspire to become responsible members of society.
The visit to Kingongo Prison on New Year's Day reflects the Kenya Kwanza administration's commitment to implementing reforms and ensuring the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of inmates into society.
