Opposition leader Raila Odinga's name falls in the list of the nation's longest-serving political prisoners.
The veteran leader landed in the gutters in 1982 over alleged involvement in the failed coup attempt against retired President Daniel Moi.
His 1988 freedom was short-lived, going back in 1989 before again leaving in 1991, over his differences with Moi's Nyayo regime emanating from his push for democracy and multipartyism.
Therefore, a majority of the inmates, especially at the Kamiti Maximum Prison where he served the most of his jail term identify with him and consider him their hope and possible saviour from the troubles behind the long walls.
They consider him their 'pope' who ate half cooked ugali like them for years despite being the nation's first Vice President's son.
Consequently, Raila would beat Uhuru in the prisons in their August 8 race for the State House, garnering 585 votes against Uhuru's 287, in the correctional facility, with the inmates supporting him for being 'one of their own'.
"We can identify with him easily for being an ex-convict who has suffered in prison. We think he is more conversant with prison life than his competitors," an inmate told the Nairobian.
This, however, is despite the fact that the veteran leader has never set foot in the prison 26 years since his release.
Odinga would later admit that he was deeply involved in the Senior Private Hezekiah Ochuka-led coup de tat than was initially thought.
The unfolding saw Ochuka rule the nation for half a day with the aid of a group of rogue Air force troops before he was suppressed by forces loyal to Moi.
Moi was at his Nakuru Kabarak home during the coup.
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