For a decade I lived behind the cold bars of Nakuru Main Prison, lost in the shadows of my past each day weighed down by regret and lost opportunities. In the midst of this darkness, a spark of hope ignited through a program conducted by CRIME SI POA that focused on prison and reintegration that offered rehabilitative support through psychoeducation for incarcerated people and prepare one for reintegration to the community during release. This was beyond rehabilitation to me it was a chance to rebuild my life again.
My journey was far from easy, my time in prison had been filled with personal struggles and strained relationships, especially with my wife. But as I participated in the program, through psychoeducation and spiritual sessions, I began to confront the deep-rooted issues that had led me astray, the major ones being emotional coping strategies, Conflict resolution and the power of forgiveness. This was a very slow and crucial part of my personal growth but it was real. My turning point came though a series of counselling sessions which lead to reconciliation with my wife and rebuilding our trust, something I never thought was possible.
Through this program I also discovered my passion for tailoring and through a lot of training and practice I earned a Grade One to Three certification in tailoring, showing my dedication and newfound purpose. On July 29, 2024, I walked out of Nakuru Main Prison a changed man. The prison gates, once a symbol of confinement, now marked the start of a new chapter. My release was not just a personal victory it was shared among my family, the community, and everyone who had supported my transformation. My homecoming was a moment of immense joy and hope. My wife, children, and relatives were overwhelmed with happiness, and the community embraced me with open arms.
Immediately after my release, I set up my tailoring business, which I continue to run to this day. This was made possible through the support of CRIME SI POA, who not only provided me with a sewing machine but also materials to help me kickstart the business. Their support gave me a second chance when I had nothing to my name but hope. On slow days in my tailoring shop I do part time farming and livestock keeping which is doing very well at the moment. Although this reintegration process has not been all even I am really grateful for my family and community members for walking this journey with me.
Because of the person that I am today, I was invited to join the community policing team and now have the honor of chairing youth meetings, platforms where I share my experiences to help prevent others from walking the same path I did. For me, this is the beginning of a new chapter, one built on forgiveness, commitment, and a desire to give back. As I stand surrounded by those who have supported me, I promise to honor their belief in me by continuing to make positive changes in my community. I am forever grateful to CRIME SI POA for believing in me when I had lost all hope, and for helping me become a better version of myself.