Thika: It was a moment of celebration at Thika Main Prison as Philip Mutune, who was sentenced to 30 years for narcotics trafficking worth Sh5 million a decade ago, walked free and is set to graduate as a lawyer.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mutune’s release came after a successful appeal in the High Court, which cut short his initial sentence. He was originally arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and consequently sentenced at Milimani Law Courts. During his incarceration, he was transferred from the Industrial Area Prison to Kamiti Maximum Prison and finally to Thika Prison.
While in prison, Mutune received sponsorship from Justice Defenders, a UK-based NGO that provides legal support to inmates, to pursue an online law degree at Strathmore University. He is expected to complete his studies in December. In addition to his legal education, he trained as a paralegal officer and a sign language interpreter, roles that enabled him to assist other inmates with their legal challenges and find a ne
w purpose behind bars.
Reflecting on his past involvement with narcotics, Mutune expressed profound remorse and credited prison for his transformation. “I joined the wrong crowd, but prison has transformed me,” he stated. Looking ahead, Mutune plans to open his own law firm and work towards preventing others from making similar mistakes.
Hassan Waqo, the officer-in-charge at Thika Prison, praised Mutune for his intelligence and discipline. “He was always calm and focused,” Waqo noted, adding that Mutune’s legal acumen significantly benefited his fellow inmates. Waqo also highlighted the role of educational programs in prisons, which he believes are crucial for reforming inmates and preparing them for reintegration into society.
Meshack Otieno, the Kenyan representative for Justice Defenders, remarked that Mutune’s success is indicative of broader positive trends within the Kenyan prison system, where educational and empowerment initiatives offer inmates a chance at a better future.
As he prepares for life
outside prison, Mutune is hopeful that his journey will inspire others to choose a different path. “I want to be a role model for young people, to show them that it’s never too late to change,” he concluded.
