The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
Imagine spending your life in prison for a crime you didn’t commit. Sounds sad? An inmate at Kamiti prison claims to have resigned to that. He tells KELVIN KAMAU that he is coping and has forgiven his family
John Chege Kamau’s life was looking up. He was in his sunset years and enjoying being a father, husband and running his thriving dairy farming business.
What else could a man ask for? But this blissful state came tumbling down one day.
Speaking from Kamiti MaximumPrison, Kamau, a father of seven, claims his children set him up.
“My children disappeared from home for about three days, and as a caring dad, I was worried sick. I reported the matter to the police, hoping they will start an investigation to look for them. I was assured that the investigations would commence immediately. Later, when I went back to enquire about the progress of the investigation, I was rudely told to stop playing games. Apparently, according to the cops, I had kicked out my children after raping them!” claims Kamau.
He was arrested several months later and arraigned in court. The magistrate found him guilty and that was the beginning of his life in Kamiti Prison.
He is currently serving life imprisonment for a crime he insists he didn’t commit.
“The case was rushed after my children gave false testimony. They had been bribed and coached to testify against me. I later learnt that my uncle and the area headsman were behind it. My uncle was interested in the land my dad had left me and the only way he could lay claim to it was to ensure I was locked up in prison. His scheme clearly succeeded and now I am here behind bars,” he said, adding that, “It is tough in here. I have been denied my freedom despite the fact that I am innocent.”
Kamau, who hails from Kanyanyaini in Kangema states that he is gradually picking up the pieces and as he tries to find a purpose for his life.
“My children and grandchildren come to visit me often and they love me. This gives me a reason to fight for my life each day. I forgave my daughters for setting me up like this and condemning me to a life in prison. I wish them all the best in life,” he added.
To keep himself busy, Kamau started tailoring, which he says brings him joy and reduces stress.
“Making clothes is in my blood and I enjoy every bit of it. The skills I have learned have made me realise that there is so much I can still offer even when I’m in prison. At least, the government has ensured prison life is not that cruel,” he explains.
He discloses that the saddest time in prison was when he learnt of the death of his wife.
“I couldn’t believe it. I wish I was there to give her a good send-off,” he says, adding that, “I got sick but God is great because he healed me and I’m now physically fit, though aging. I’m enjoying my bonus years. I stay with God and I have seen his love in my life because I’m still surviving and someday, justice will be done in this case,” he says with hope.
