Governor Muthomi Njuki has urgently called on the national government, specifically urging the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, to intervene and revamp the dire state of Kathwana Prison in Tharaka Nithi County.
The correctional facility, grappling with severe infrastructure deficiencies and lacking basic amenities like proper water connections, has prompted the Governor to seek immediate improvements.
Governor Njuki expressed his concerns during a visit to the facility on Friday, February 2, 2024. He emphasized the pressing need for changes in the correctional facility, pointing out that Kathwana Prison is currently operating under appalling conditions, describing it as “hell on earth.”
“I am going to have a sitting with CS Kithure Kindiki to explore ways to improve this correctional facility. Having visited other prisons across the country, I can attest that they are not in a deplorable state like this one. Kathwana Prison is not a correctional service; it is a facility with nothing,” Governor Njuki stated.
The governor also criticized the judicial system, attributing prison congestions to unjustly high fines for petty offenders who cannot afford them.
He cautioned politicians and elected leaders against using prison visits for PR stunts, particularly as the country approaches the general elections in 2027.
“As we near the 2027 general elections, visits to correctional facilities like this one will be used only for PR. It is time for politicians and leaders to stop using prison visits as political mileage, making false promises to inmates which they cannot deliver,” he added.
Governor Njuki proposed a comprehensive improvement plan for Kathwana Prison, including an enhanced curriculum, new structures, and infrastructure to equip inmates with relevant skills for increased productivity.
He urged the government to build workshops for training in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical engineering, bringing the facility in line with national standards.
To address water shortages, Governor Njuki instructed the Department of Water to install a direct supply line to the facility and implement a solar pumping water system. Additionally, he directed the Health department to equip the prison dispensary with laboratory equipment and a lab technician to enhance medical services.
In a bid to decongest the prison, the Governor pledged to pay fines for inmates with amounts less than KShs 20,000.
During his visit, Governor Njuki donated mattresses, blankets, two 43-inch TV sets, and food supplies to support the inmates.
