The Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) has strongly condemned the impregnation of 36 schoolgirls in Bungoma County, terming it a clear indication of moral decay in society. KEWOSA Vice Chairperson, Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, expressed sadness over the incident, stating that it raises serious questions about the safety and well-being of young girls in schools. Mumma led a team of 10 female Senators who visited Malindi Women Prison in Kilifi County to engage with female inmates and assess their conditions.
Senator Mumma called for thorough investigations into the matter to ensure the prosecution of those involved, serving as a lesson to others with similar motives. The Senators will engage advocates to ensure that the families of the schoolgirls get justice. Mumma emphasized the need for collective action to address the issue of moral decay in society, which seems to be taking advantage of young girls who are yet to complete school.
Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana called for the full implementation of Kenya Prisons reforms to ensure that prisons serve as correctional facilities, as envisaged in the 2010 Constitution. Senator Hamida, who is also an advocate, stated that female Senators will visit female prisons across the country to ensure that inmates are well-treated as per the policy changes in the Constitution. She emphasized that prisoners have rights, just like other Kenyans, and should enjoy those rights while in custody.
Senator Hamida revealed that during a previous visit to Langata Women Prison two years ago, they realized that most offenders were involved in petty crimes and did not have money to pay fines, leading to congestion in prisons. As KEWOSA Chairperson, she helped over 250 women prisoners pay their fines and wrote to President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki seeking to have petty offenders pardoned.
Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda suggested that there was a need for more computers and internet services in prisons to facilitate virtual court proceedings, reducing the need for prisoners and suspects to move between prisons and courts. Senator Mutinda and Senator Hamida paid Sh 90,000 cash bail for one of the female remandees at Malindi Women Prison, enabling her to handle her case outside of prison.
Nominated Senator Betty Syengo advised prisoners to take their jail terms as an opportunity to learn new skills that could be helpful once they complete their sentences. Senator Catherine Wakwabubi called for the inclusion of a techno-savvy curriculum in prisons, enabling prisoners to acquire digital skills and stay updated on global events.
The Senators were accompanied by Kilifi Deputy Governor Florence Chibule, who emphasized the importance of prisoners accepting responsibility for their actions as part of the reform process. Coast Parliamentary Group Chairperson Gertrude Mbeyu donated five sewing machines and 15 boxes of sanitary towels to the prisoners at Malindi Women Prison, highlighting the need for support and empowerment for female offenders.
Key points
- - The impregnation of 36 schoolgirls in Bungoma County has been condemned by women senators. - The Senators demand justice and prosecution of those involved. - The Senators also advocate for prison reforms and support for female prisoners.
