It was joy at Thika Main Prison after a man, who had been convicted to 30 years in prison for trafficking Sh5 million worth of narcotics 10 years ago, walked out both as a free man and a soon-to-graduate lawyer.
This was after a successful appeal in the High Court, where he was released before completing his sentence.
Philip Mutune's journey started when he was apprehended at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) carrying narcotics, which led to his conviction and initial sentencing in the Milimani Law courts.
He was sent to Industrial Area Prison, later transferred to Kamiti Maximum Prison and after serving seven years there, he was transferred to Thika prison to complete his jail term.
Through organisations like the UK-based NGO Justice Defenders, which offers legal support to enable convicts to access justice, Mutune was sponsored to pursue legal studies.
He pursued a Paralegal Community Certificate from Strathmore University and is expected to graduate in December.
He trained as a paralegal officer and a sign language interpreter, opportunities that have helped him find purpose within prison walls.
He began to use his new knowledge to assist other inmates with their legal challenges and was highly regarded by other inmates and prison staff.
Reflecting on his involvement with drug traffickers, Mutune expressed deep regret.
“I joined the wrong crowd, but prison has transformed me,” he said.
He looks forward to building a new life after his release, with plans to start his law firm and help his community avoid the mistakes he made.
Prison wardens at Thika Prison led by the officer-in-charge, Hassan Waqo, had nothing but praise for him and described him as intelligent, disciplined, and a man of few words.
“He was always calm and focused,” Waqo said.
He said Mutune’s legal knowledge had been invaluable to his fellow inmates.
Wago said Mutune’s story is a testament to the growing role of education and the ongoing prison reforms in the country.
He cited facilities like Thika and Kamiti Maximum, which he said are becoming academic hubs where inmates can pursue higher education and transform their lives, even while serving their sentences.
Waqo called on the public to embrace these reformed former convicts as they reintegrate into society, saying they have undergone complete transformations and are ready to contribute positively to their communities.
“Most of them have changed, and they have a lot to offer,” Waqo said.
Kenyan representative of Justice Defenders, Meshack Otieno, said the organisation works closely with prisons to nurture inmates' potential and help them realise their dreams, even in the face of long sentences.
Otieno said Mutune’s success story is just one of many unfolding in Kenya’s prison system, where education and empowerment are giving prisoners the tools they need to build better futures.
Mutune remains hopeful his experiences will inspire others to avoid the path he once took.
“I want to be a role model for young people, to show them that it’s never too late to change,” he said.
