17 Kamiti Prison Inmates Graduate with University of London Law Degrees.
Seventeen inmates at Kamiti Maximum Prison celebrated a transformative achievement on Tuesday as they graduated with Law degrees from the prestigious University of London.
For these individuals, serving time behind bars is now the foundation for a new chapter—one that could see them practice law and impact society positively. Of the 17 graduates, six have already completed their prison terms, with the rest continuing to serve their sentences.
The event radiated hope and camaraderie as graduates shared laughter and joy with their prison warders, friends, and family. Adding to the celebrations, 12 prison officers also earned the same undergraduate law degrees, highlighting the inclusivity of the program.
The transformation was made possible through Justice Defenders, an initiative that sponsors vetted inmates to study law virtually at the University of London.
The graduation ceremony, graced by notable figures such as Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco, Parliamentary Services Principal Secretary Dr. Aurelia Rono, and Patricia McKellar, Dean of Undergraduate Law at the University of London, was a testament to the power of education in rehabilitation.
Justice Defenders founder and CEO Alexander McLean emphasized the role of love and second chances in creating opportunities for those behind bars.
Stories of Resilience and Hope
Among the graduates was Ruth Kamande, who is serving a life sentence at Lang’ata Women’s Prison.
Reflecting on her journey, she shared that her dream of becoming a lawyer began as a child but materialized under extraordinary circumstances. Her incarceration became a turning point, allowing her to pursue legal studies and rewrite her story, transforming despair into hope.
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Joseph Lodiaka, another graduate, began his law studies while serving a 20-year sentence at Kamiti. Formerly a Tourism Management student at Maasai Mara University, he pivoted to law to address injustices faced by illiterate inmates who lacked proper legal representation.
Having completed his degree, he has also enrolled in a master’s program in Public Policy Administration, aiming to advocate for prison reforms and better policies.
For some graduates, the journey was as much about personal growth as academic achievement. Priscilla Cherono, serving time at Lang’ata Women’s Prison, overcame her introverted nature to become a vocal advocate for justice.
Trained first as a paralegal, Cherono now assists fellow inmates with legal matters and promotes alternative dispute resolution methods.
Completing their studies was not without challenges. For instance, Lodiaka revealed that his legal journey began in 2015 and took nine years to reach fruition, involving rigorous paralegal training before advancing to a full degree.
Despite the hurdles, graduates like him see their education as a stepping stone to championing justice and reform.
Encouragement from Leaders
During the ceremony, PS Beacco lauded the graduates for their resilience, noting that completing a university degree is a formidable task even in freedom.
She urged them to be role models and champions of justice, promising government support for those who wish to pursue further studies.
Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh echoed her sentiments, calling on society to welcome the graduates with open arms when they rejoin their communities.
Patricia McKellar, representing the University of London, described the ceremony as one of the most inspiring graduations she had attended globally.
She encouraged the graduates to embrace their new roles as problem-solvers and defenders of justice. Justice Defenders Board Chairperson, Prof. Luis Franceschi, highlighted the broader impact of such initiatives, which inspire hope across the Commonwealth’s 56 member states.
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The event concluded with jubilant celebrations, including music from the Kamiti Industries Power Gospel Singers and a spirited dance performance by Lang’ata Women Prison’s dancing crew.
A symbolic cake-cutting ceremony marked the culmination of years of hard work and determination, proving that even in the most challenging circumstances, transformation is possible.
This graduation was more than just an academic milestone—it was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of education, paving the way for second chances and a brighter future.
17 Kamiti Prison Inmates Graduate with University of London Law Degrees.
