By Betty Luke
Inmates at the Isiolo GK Prison have benefited from food and personal effects donations by Mwenda Thuranira Foundation meant to cushion them against the biting effects of Covid-19.
The donations of toiletries, hand washing facilities and milk among other items were on Monday handed over to the prison officials for distribution to the about 400 prisoners at the facility, who include those waiting for court judgments.
The Isiolo North MP hopeful said he decided to extend a helping hand to the correctional facility because it was among those forgotten during difficult times, like the one the country is currently witnessing due to Coronavirus, when they direly need the assistance.
Titus Mugambi, a beneficiary, said the items will go a long way in making them comfortable while in the prison and asked other well-wishers to show empathy to the needy during this difficult period.
“Times are hard because family and friends are no longer allowed to visit us (due to Coronavirus). The items will be of much help to us,” the elated prisoner said.
Besides the donations, the inmates were also asked to ensure they observe highest level of hygiene to keep the disease at bay.
Isiolo County Prison Commander Eustace Wairagu hailed the effort by Mwenda Thuranira and called upon the public to embrace and support the ex-prisoners as will greatly contribute to positive behavioural change.
“We (the Prison) might do a lot here but how the public receives them once out of prison determines whether they get transformed or not,” Mr Wairagu said.
Mr Thuranira appealed to other well-wishers to show empathy and also stretch helping hands to inmates as a way of encouraging them to be better persons once they complete their jail term.
“Being a prisoner doesn’t mean it is the end of life,” the MP aspirant told the inmates while handing over the donations.
“We are committed to impacting lives and making society a better living place,” Mr Thuranira added.
He asked youth to be law abiding citizens and shun unlawful activities that will make them collide with authorities and land in jail.
