This archive report was first published on 4 November 2021.
At the Naivasha Maximum Security Prison, a remarkable trio of inmates has been making a difference in the lives of their fellow prisoners. Alex Dimba, Joseph Lodiaka, and Tobias Omukuti have successfully completed their law degree from the University of London while serving their jail term.
With their newfound knowledge, they have been offering free legal services to their fellow inmates, helping them navigate the complexities of the justice system. Their services are purely pro bono, and they have been in high demand.
According to Dimba, a paralegal assistant tutor, almost 90 per cent of inmates serving different sentences are semi-literate. This makes it difficult for them to understand the legal jargon that often confuses them.
The trio has been working tirelessly to help their fellow inmates, filing court documents and litigating on their behalf. Their efforts have been commendable, with many cases resulting in successful outcomes.
One such case was that of Geoffrey Rono, who was serving a life sentence for defilement. Dimba wrote his submissions, and the sentence was quashed. Rono was able to enjoy his freedom courtesy of free legal advice from the trio.
Dimba's success in this case motivated him to continue helping his fellow inmates. He has been working with Lodiaka and Omukuti to offer free legal services to those in need.
The trio hopes to get admitted to the Kenya School of Law (KSL) to actualise their dreams of joining the bar. They believe that with the support of the Prisons Service and Kenya Legal Education, they can make a real difference in the lives of their fellow inmates.
As Hassan Tari, the officer in charge of the correctional facility, noted, the trio's efforts have made the work of the department easier. He is optimistic that they will be allowed to join the law school and pursue their dreams, thus transforming correctional facilities as inmates will have one of their own representing them in court.
