Who said that criminals cannot transform into better people? Then that person must have missed a point in his/her judgement and conclusion.
This is according to a convict who was released after having served for 21 years in jail, for robbery with violence. Kabari Joel was convicted aged 25 and handed a death sentence, after his alleged involvement in a robbery with violence in Nakuru town, Nakuru County in 1998.
After waiting for his extermination for 11 years, somehow good news to him had his sentence converted to life imprisonment in 2009. This gave Mr Joel Kabari a life opportunity of becoming a catechist, a decision which finally flung his freedom doors wide open.
His notable behavioural change saw him entrusted with the charge over the other inmates, after his enrollment and completion for a catechism role.
Finally, a reformed Kamari was handed over back to his family last Saturday in Ndimu village, Lanet escorted by a convoy of police vehicles. During his 21-year jail term, Kamari alternated along Nakuru GK Prison, Kamiti and Naivasha Maximum Prisons. To him, the 21 years behind bars had everything changed before his sight even as those he left toddlers now adults.
The former president Mwai Kibaki's prerogative of mercies is what saved Kamari, after the president reduced the death sentence to life imprisonment in August 2009.
Recalling unfolding events that cost him 21 years in prison, Kamari stated how they had attacked and robbed a businessman who ran an alcohol depot in Nakuru town.
"We were three of us when we attacked and robbed an alcohol depot owner in Nakuru town. I was nabbed the same day, with my friends a few days later. I regret my actions," noted Kamari.
One of the accomplices according to Kamari, appealed against the year 2000 ruling getting a lower jail term which he completed some years ago, while Kamari and his other crime partner were moved to Kamiti Maximum Prison as they awaited death.
"One of our accomplices appealed and got a sorter jail term, which he completed sometimes back, while my colleague and I were transferred to Kamiti Maximum Prison awaiting our extermination," added Kamari.