Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Wednesday denied claims the government has sold prisons land.
Instead, he clarified that his ministry is implementing prison reforms aimed at improving correctional facilities, enhancing officers' welfare, and embracing technology through the introduction of virtual courts.
“Nothing of the sort will happen. We are rolling out reforms that are helping the prisons department,” said Murkomen.
He said this when he visited Uruku G.K. Prisons in South Imenti, Meru County, on Wednesday.
He was reacting to claims by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that the government plans to lease out prison land.
Gachagua claimed that prison lands across the country had been sold, necessitating the relocation of correctional facilities.
“All prison lands have been sold. All prisons need to be relocated. Even churches built on these lands, including Catholic and SDA churches, will be demolished," he said.
Murkomen said the reforms also seek to commercialize prison operations to promote sustainability and provide dignified housing for officers through affordable housing initiatives.
The prisons department owns huge chunks of land in the country, which are leased to individuals and entities.
Murkomen also reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring that all gazetted administrative units are operationalized so that Wananchi can access government services with ease in all parts of the country.
He presided over the operationalization of Abogeta Sub-County, the official opening of the Sub-County headquarters and the installation of the first Deputy County Commissioner at Kanyakine Vocational Training Center grounds, Meru County.
He confirmed more personnel will be posted to make sure all Departments in the new Sub-County are fully functional.
To ensure all the parts of the Sub-County are linked to the headquarters, he said plans are underway to upgrade the Kionyo- Kanyakine- Mitunguu road that cuts across Abogeta Sub-County.
Murkomen added that the long-overdue operationalization of Igoki Division will be effected in the next few weeks with the deployment of an Assistant County Commissioner.
He was joined by several leaders, including Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, Members of the National Assembly: Elizabeth Kailemia (Meru County Woman Rep), Dr Shadrack Mwiti (South Imenti), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), Kirima Nguchine (Central Imenti), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East), Paul Biego (Chesumei), Joseph Makilap (Baringo North), Duncan Mathenge (Nyeri Town) and Dorothy Muthoni (Nominated).
Also present was Kiraitu Murungi (former Meru Governor), PSs Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry), Dr Salome Beacco (Correctional Services), Meru County Deputy Governor Rev. Isaac M'Ethingia, Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich, a host of MCAs, administrators and other leaders.
