Waita GK prison inmates in Mwingi Central, Kitui, are now pleading with well-wishers to send them basic essentials, citing a very tough life behind bars.
Religious leaders from Mwingi, led by their chairman Rev Stephen Mutisya, visited the facility and donated foodstuff and bibles, among other commodities.
An inmate who sought anonymity urged other religious leaders together with people of goodwill to donate bibles, both New and Old Testament and hymn books to them.
He said most of them need these religious books to uplift their hope and faith, adding that being jailed itself can lead to a loss of hope in life.
"I also urge other citizens to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law because prison is not the best place to be," the inmate said.
Milka Wanjiru, an inmate who is serving seven years imprisonment, said life in prison is not rosy as there are lots of limitations on freedom.
The inmate, who was jailed in 2019, said that she has accepted that she went against the law and urged religious leaders to always remember them in prayers.
"We also urge motivational speakers out there to be visiting us quite often," Milka said.
Another inmate, a mother of seven who is still waiting for a court verdict, admitted to having engaged in robbery with violence.
She expressed hope that one day she will reunite with her children whom she has left under the care of her mother.
" My youngest child is only three years old and at times I feel so emotionally drained when I remember they will not see me for sometime because I am behind bars for robbery with violence," she said.
The mother of seven further said most inmates have reformed and welcomed motivational speakers, as well as religious leaders to the prison to give them hope.
"We appreciate the items donated to us by religious leaders and also plead for donations of things like toiletries," she said.
She said most inmates are usually mentally disturbed and need a lot of counselling.
Officer in charge of Waita GK Prison Benjamin Limasia said the facility houses 27 women and 283 inmates.
The officer said they are undergoing reforms and urged the community to embrace them once released from prison.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
