A SHOW OF SOLIDARITY WITH WOMEN INMATES IN LANG’ATA

The Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK), through its Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) programme, visited inmates at Lang’ata Women’s Maximum Prison in a gesture of solidarity, encouragement and support. This was to mark the month of September dedicated to refugees, migrants and seafarers.

During the visit on September 30, AOSK, with the generous support of congregations, staff, partners, stakeholders and well-wishers, donated various items to the inmates and shared a moment of prayer and encouragement. The engagement also provided an opportunity for the delegation to gain a deeper understanding of life inside the prison and to listen to the experiences and concerns of the women through their representative. The prison has inmates from other countries, not only Kenyans.

A Call for Awareness and Early Intervention

Speaking on behalf of the inmates, the representative, whose name has been withheld, reflected on some of the circumstances that can lead people into conflict with the law. She identified anger and greed among the factors that can contribute to people finding themselves in prison, calling for greater public sensitisation and conversations around the two.

“People should have conversations and don’t allow pressure to pile. That is the trigger and eventually the greatest contributor.”

She emphasised the importance of finding healthy ways of addressing challenges before they escalate.

She also made a passionate appeal for greater attention to young people, particularly through mentorship and preventive interventions.

“Please also talk to the young people. It is sad when young people find themselves here. You are the people with the opportunity to talk to them outside these walls.”

Her message underscored the importance of crime prevention and the role that families, communities, institutions and organisations can play in addressing some of the issues that may contribute to offending behaviour.

Rehabilitation and Reintegration

Beyond serving their sentences, inmates have opportunities to develop skills that can contribute to their livelihoods and prepare them for life after prison. These opportunities are important in helping women build confidence, acquire practical skills and prepare for their eventual return to their families and communities.

The visit also brought attention to the role of prison chaplaincy in supporting inmates spiritually and socially. Through the chaplaincy, catechists appealed to AOSK, stakeholders and well-wishers to strengthen programmes focusing on justice and peace, human trafficking and other areas relevant to the lives and future of inmates.

They further called for seminars and structured programmes that can equip inmates with knowledge and skills while serving their sentences and support their preparation for reintegration into society.

The appeal reflects the broader need to look beyond punishment and invest in rehabilitation, prevention and reintegration. Supporting inmates during their time in prison, while preparing them for life beyond the prison walls, can contribute to safer communities and more successful transitions back into society.

PAYBILL: 880100

ACCOUNT: 1129410918

ACCOUNT NAME: AOSK JPCOM