The state should quickly move to improve conditions at Chuka prison that is in dire need of rehabilitation, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has said.
Njuki accused the Correctional Services Department of sleeping on the job, saying inmates at the facility are living in hell.
He spoke over the weekend when he donated 100 mattresses, 77 blankets, two television screens and foodstuff to the inmates.
The governor said the prison was in a mess and promised to install solar panels at River Maara to pump water to the facility and provide water bowsers.
The devolved government will also equip a dispensary located inside the prison and deploy a lab technologist to ensure that inmates get good medical services.
"There is lot of congestion, tattered bedding, potholed dormitory floor and water scarcity among other inhuman conditions that have turned this prison into a hell instead of a correctional facility. I will also personally engage Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki on this issue,” Njuki said.
He said inmates risk contracting diseases due to the congestion witnessed in the dormitory that is supposed to accommodate 230 persons but instead hosts double the number.
"Such congestion is also a big challenge because of the hot climatic conditions of the semi-arid area, resulting in inmates spending sleepless nights. I am aware that suspects or people found guilty of committing petty crimes have mainly contributed to the congestion because they cannot afford the huge penalties and bond," the governor said in Kathwana.
"I appeal to our courts to sentence people found guilty of petty offenses to serve community service or give suspects in petty cases manageable bond that they can pay and continue attending court sessions from outside to avoid congestion in prisons."
He said congested correctional facilities are not even economical for the government because it has spend a lot on food and other services.
"I have offered to pay bonds and fines ranging from Sh20,000 and below for 30 people," he said.
Njuki wondered why Chuka prison does not equip prisoners with skills such as mechanics, carpentry and masonry like it happens in other correctional facilities in the country. The inmates are kept idle for years and walk out just tortured, he said.
“The relevant offices should ensure that just like in the other correctional facilities, there are all artisan courses offered at Chuka prison,” he said.
He said to solve the challenge of water scarcity and curb the rampant cases of waterborne diseases as a result of drinking untreated water from nearby River Maara, his government will connect the facility to treated water provided by Nithi Water and Sanitation Company.
The county chief offered the inmates a bull to be slaughtered on Valentine's Day.