Kisumu Maximum Prison has received a generous donation of food and non-food items from philanthropist Truphosa Atieno Brenda, who has been supporting the facility for the past seven years.
The donation is aimed at addressing the challenges faced by inmates, including the lack of regular family visits, which leaves many feeling isolated.
Brenda, who has dedicated herself to assisting prisoners, expressed her deep commitment to the cause, calling it a personal mission.
“Around July or August, I start planning visits across the country, including to prisons,” she said, emphasizing her unwavering passion for giving back to the often-overlooked members of society.
"This is our seventh visit to the prison. It's like a part of my life, a calling," she said.
Brenda noted that her first visit was the women's prisons but she realized that they receive a lot of visitors and donations as compared to their male counterparts, hence started giving donation to them.
She noted "The doors are always open for me, and I make sure to give back. I’m doing this from the heart, as part of my project."
Brenda’s visits have been particularly impactful as she has reached out to inmates who are often forgotten by their families, providing them with essentials like food, toiletries, and other necessities that are not regularly available to them.
"When I was in prison, you did not visit me.This is a question we will all have to answer one day when we understand what God wants from us," Brenda said, reflecting on the biblical verse.
The donation was warmly received by Gerald Ongume, Officer in Charge of Kisumu Maximum Prison, who praised Brenda's consistent support.
He explained that many prisoners, especially those serving long or life sentences, rarely receive visits from family members due to the harsh realities of their circumstances.
"At the prison, what the prisoners require most is proper care and attention, and such philanthropic gestures are a great support," Ongume said.
He added that most of these prisoners are serving very long sentences, some for life, and many can only be visited once or twice a year by their relatives.
“Such gestures are important in making the inmates feel remembered and valued and a reminder that they are not alone”.