Ann Wairimu Henya 

The Kenyan prison system is notorious for its inhumane conditions – a colonial legacy that was initiated to control the indigenous populations. Prisons in Kenya are rife with disease and violence, and most inmates are citizens from poor backgrounds, who do not have the financial privilege to navigate the economic and justice systems with ease. Aware of the tough conditions faced by those who fall victim to such a cruel fate, Pastor Ann Wairimu Henya selflessly dedicates her life to their rehabilitation, and reintegration into society. 

 

A Personal Tragedy 

Ann was a Kayole resident going about her regular life when one of her loved ones was falsely accused of a crime. Since the family could not afford the steep bail fees, the person was put in remand for three long years, before they finally got to trial, where they were acquitted and released. This was a tough period in Ann’s life. As she watched someone she cares about fall into depression, Ann felt utterly helpless to the system. Luckily, however, they discovered the Prison Fellowship Programme, which restored their hope and gave them the tools they needed to deal with their situation. 

The Prison Fellowship Programme is designed to work with prisoners, ex-prisoners, as well as the children of those who have been incarcerated to empower them to rebuild their lives through what they term ‘The Prisoner’s Journey’. There are two strands or departments of the programme: The Department of Intercession and The Promise Bag. The Department of Intercession uses the tenets of the Christian faith to provide some comfort to the prisoners and their families, by organising prayer days where they can congregate and build fellowship. The Promise Bag works on creating a pool of funds for the children of those who have been incarcerated by facilitating their education through the provision of school bags, stationery and more. The organisation also ensures to follow up with ex-prisoners after they have been released, to check on their mental health and look out for their physical welfare. 

 

Leading Her Own Ministry 

Ann officially joined the Prison Fellowship programme in 2021. She worked with them to host prayer days with various churches, and, later that year, she and her husband opened a branch of the Grace Community Fellowship in their neighbourhood in Kayole. Although they open their doors to everyone, a key focus of their mission is to reach out to those involved in crime and encourage them to change their lives in order to avoid going to prison. In this way, Ann hopes to make a difference within her local community. 

Through the church, Ann fundraises for the Promise Bag initiative, and, in the short time since it was founded, the church has already managed to help a person suffering with addiction by taking them to a rehabilitation centre. Her most powerful testimonial is her success rehabilitating a prisoner who had been in and out of Lang’ata Women’s Prison about fifteen times, for various crimes including drug abuse, theft, and violent crime. At the time when Ann met her, the lady was suicidal, but she yearned for someone to help her break out of her cycle. With no judgement, Ann invited her to join her in her mission. She took her to a rehabilitation centre, and when she came out, the church helped her get back onto her feet by finding her a house and starting a business to enable her to provide for her children. This resulted in a great improvement in her mental health, and she now works alongside Ann to give hope to those who are in the same predicament as she was. 

 

Humanising Prisoners 

Doing such work is not easy. There is stigma against prisoners and things are tough for them when they are released as many end up on the streets and have no emotional or financial support. Those in the community who were affected by crimes also need to heal from their own trauma. For Ann, she does not generalise and sees every human being as an individual, understanding that some people are not remorseful for their actions. However, her job is to shift people’s mindset and encourage them to have empathy for those who are trying their best to make a change. A little compassion goes a long way, and the volunteer work that Pastor Henya does is aimed at making a lasting impact in Kenyan society and breaking the cycle of repeat offences. 

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