MWEA, Kenya – Church leaders and prison officials are urging Kenyans to support the reintegration of ex-prisoners and end the stigma they face after release.
Led by Bishop Dr. George Kamau of Ambassadors of Christ Church in Ndenderu, Kiambu, church leaders visited Mwea GK Prison in Kirinyaga to share an early Christmas with inmates and highlight the challenges they face when returning to society.
Bishop Kamau said many ex-prisoners are met with hostility and rejection from families and communities.
“Every person who has served their sentence deserves a chance to rebuild their life and be welcomed back into society,” he said.
On his part, Mwea GK Prison Officer in Charge, John Mucoya, said rehabilitation programs in the prison, including technical training, have helped inmates acquire skills to start businesses and live independently.
“Some inmates fear going back to society so much that they end up committing cirimes just to return to prison, which shows the need for community support.” Mucoya said.
During the visit, the church donated food, clothes, shoes, and other essentials to prisoners, urging Kenyans to remember the vulnerable during the festive season.
