Lobby donates toiletries, stationery to 2,000 inmates at Kisumu Prison

More than 2,000 prisoners at Kisumu Maximum Security Prison have received necessities from a community-based organisation.

The aid provided by Ubuntu Casuna organisation, has supplemented the government’s efforts towards providing better services to prisoners.

Ubuntu Casuna, chief executive officer Truphosa Atieno, during the donations asked well-wishers and Kenyans to support inmates in correctional facilities across the country.

“These prisoners are our brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers. We should join hands in giving back to them. We should not leave it to the government alone,” she said.

Atieno, who led a team of the CBO’s members during the donations, said Kenyans should support the government in running the correctional facilities through donations.

“As citizens, we should ask ourselves what we can do for the government rather than what the government can do for us, so that we can make the country a better place for all,” she added.

The CEO urged Kenyans to come together and provide aid to the inmates, saying it should not be left solely to the government.

“Many prisoners lack essential necessities, and any form of support provides them with hope in life. It does not matter how little it is, it makes a change,” she said.

Atieno pointed out that Kenyans should not overlook prisoners but extend assistance to them with zeal just, as they do for like orphans and widows.

“We tend to forget about them when they are out of our sight. They are experiencing challenging lives in prisons. We are appealing to Kenyans to provide support to them,” she said.

The organisation donated washing soap, which is precious within a prison. During the donations received by Kisumu Maximum Prions deputy in-charge Jeremiah Obiero, they prayed and shared meals with the prisoners.

Besides soap, inmates also benefited from toiletries and stationery to aid in their educational pursuits, including secondary and university-level education programmes within the facilities.

For the past six years, Atieno disclosed that the organisation has been partnering with the prison’s management to provide aid to the prisoners.

They have provided free medical outreach services and organised activities to show solidarity and affection to the inmates.

“Even though they are behind bars they are human and equally important in our society,” Atieno said.

Reverend Patrick Olela, Superintendent of prisons and Chaplin in-Charge of Kisumu Maximum Prisons praised the gesture.

“We appreciate the support Ubuntu Casuna has been giving to the prison for the last six years. It is really supplementing what the government is able to provide,” Olela said.

Last year, more than 40 inmates sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education while 30 did their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education.