The history of prisons refers to how prisons have evolved from ancient civilizations into the major institutions that they currently are. This history begins with prisons as claustrophobic detention dungeons and leads up to modernized correctional facilities with better living conditions and significant respect for human rights.
What is the role of prisons in society?
Prisons play the key role of protecting society from criminals and crime. Prisons ensure that prisoners are securely confined away from the rest of the public until they reform and can rejoin society as law-abiding members.
Going to prison is never a joke, but if you are headed to one of these prisons, you will have one hell of a sentence.
Former South Africa president Nelson Mandela once said that to know the actual state of a nation you have to visit its jails, a nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens but its lowest ones.
Although Kenyan prisons continue to be heavily criticised by international groups for neglect, violence and abuse of human rights, there has not been a popular movement for prison reform worth mentioning, save for the Moody Awori prisons’ reform programme in 2003.
Here are two Kenya’s most feared prisons in Kenya and also considered to be dangerous in Africa where you’re just as likely to die at the hands of the wardens as you are at the hands of your fellow inmates.
Kamiti Maximum Security Penitentiary
Situated in the agricultural district of Kiambu, this prison has gained notoriety due to the unspeakable squalor that the prisoners are subjected to. It is considered the most secure prison and hosts some of the most notorious criminals. The prison has earned a reputation for instances of sexual violence, the beating of inmates to death, and epidemics.
Kamiti prison was meant to house 1,400 prisoners, but instead, it houses more than triple this number. This means that the level of congestion is dire. Malnutrition, cholera, and ulcers are normal occurrences
The prison has held various political prisoners during the late former president Moi’s regime. Capital offenders are executed at Kamiti Maximum Prison. Recently Raila Odinga said former President Uhuru Kenyatta served him from being taken to Kamiti after the mock swearing-in in 2018. In Kamiti, toiletries and buckets are few, which are usually shared due to congestion hence it is difficult to keep it clean.
Nairobi Prison
Rumour has it that Nairobi Prison in the Industrial Area is a dungeon full of social misfits and assorted criminals.Nairobi Prison, located in Kenya, was founded in 1911 and is currently rated as the sixth worst prison in Africa.
The allegations have included anything from prevalent homosexuality to gangs involved in smuggling to the provision of meagre meals and portions to prisoners.
Life took off the façade of this historic prison and ventured inside its dimly lit hallways to confirm or deny these lofty claims.Once you pass the main gate, you can access the strongly guarded jailhouse through an ancient mahogany door that is always closed and has a massive iron knocker.
The smell of perspiration, human waste, and dirt permeates the prison cells, and debris is hanging in the atmosphere. In general, prisoners have found it difficult to maintain normal physical and mental health due to the living conditions inside the prison.
By Newshub