Kamiti Maximum Security Prison

Kamiti Maximum Security Prison

Kamiti Maximum Security Prison is a prison in Nairobi, Kenya. It is located in the beautiful agricultural district of Kiambu. Originally named "Kamiti Downs", it sits in the middle of its own 1200 acre estates which lie fallow and untended.

During the 80's and early 90's many political prisoneers were held at Kamiti, including Kenneth Matiba, Raila Odinga, Koigi wa Wamwere, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Jonah Anguka [ [http://www.nationaudio.com/News/DailyNation/Features/Anguka/partm.html Absolute Power - The Ouko Murder Mystery] ] and numerous others.

Many executions have been carried out in Kamiti. Rebel leader Dedan Kimathi was hanged by British colonial administration on February 18, 1957. [KBC, November 20, 2006: [http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=39546 Freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi to be honored] ] Hezekiah Ochuka and Pancras Oteyo Okumu were executed there on May 17, 1987. No death penalties have been held in Kenya since, although capital punishment is not formally abolished Daily Nation, January 7, 2007: On death row for 31 years [http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=1&newsid=89078] ] .

Kenya's prisons are infamous for poor conditions and inhumane treatment, although the situation has improved slightly during Mwai Kibaki's government since 2002 [BBC News, June 28, 2004: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3840203.stm Kenya's prisoners go hi-tech] ] and some prisoners at death row have been released. There is still no reliable water supply, with over 200 prisoners hauling buckets of water around daily. The inmates working in the "industry" section are paid only 10 cents (kenya shilling) per day, as per the outdated 1940s legislation which rules the organisation.

Within the prison, condemned "G" block is famed for its particularly brutal lifestyle, characterised by predatory sodomy and mobile phone confidence tricksters.The prison was built for 1400 prisoners, and it now houses over 3600 in conditions of unbelievable squalor.

References

ee also

*Thomas P. G. Cholmondeley

External links

* [http://kenya740.tripod.com/kamiti.html African Tribute]


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • African Prisons Project — (APP) is a charity working in Africa to improve the welfare of prisoners through education, health and justice. It was founded in 2004 by then 18 year old Alexander McLean, who is now its director. Aims Soon after its informal establishment, APP… …   Wikipedia

  • Ngugi wa Thiong'o — Ngũgĩ wa Thiong o (born January 5, 1938) is a Kenyan author, formerly working in English and now working in Gĩkũyũ. His work includes novels, plays, short stories, essays and scholarship, criticism and children s literature. He is the founder and …   Wikipedia

  • Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o — signs copies of his book Wizard of the Crow, at the Congress Centre in central London. Wizard was his first book in 20 years, following 22 years of exile due to his highly political work. Born January 5, 1938 (1938 01 05) (ag …   Wikipedia

  • Dedan Kimathi — Statue of Dedan Kimathi in Nairobi Kenya Dedan Kimathi Waciuri (truly, Kimathi wa Waciuri), (31 October 1920 – 18 February 1957) was a Kenyan rebel leader who fought against the British colonial government in Kenya in the 1950s. He was convicted… …   Wikipedia

  • Wahome Mutahi — (October 24 1954 ndash; July 22 2003) was one of the most beloved humourists of Kenya. He was popularly known as Whispers after the name of the column he wrote for The Daily Nation from 1982 to 2003, offering a satirical view of the trials and… …   Wikipedia

  • Kenneth Matiba — is a Kenyan politician. He was the second place candidate in the 1992 presidential election.Matiba became a senior civil servant at a young age of 28. Even before Kenya attained its independence in 1963, Matiba had already joined the high… …   Wikipedia

  • Thomas P. G. Cholmondeley — Thomas Patrick Gilbert Cholmondeley (born 19 June 1968) is a Kenyan farmer of British ancestry. He is most famous for his controversial release from a murder charge. BiographyThe Honourable Thomas P. G. Cholmondeley was educated at Eton College.… …   Wikipedia

  • Mau Mau Uprising — Mau Mau redirects here. For other uses, see Mau Mau (disambiguation). Mau Mau Uprising Date 1952–1960 Location Colony of Kenya Result British military victory …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”