Inmates at Embu prison treated to beauty therapy services

Inmates at the Embu Men’s Prison received a rare treat after students from a local college offered them beauty therapy services.

Hundreds of prisoners waited for their turns patiently at the prison’s main hall where they were offered manicure, pedicure, facials and massage services by students from Wanjau Technical and Vocational Training Institute.

The students planned the treat as an Easter gift for the inmates and to show them that they are loved as worthy human beings by the wider community.

The prison has about of 1,500 inmates. Those on death and those serving life sentences were given priority on consideration that those serving shorter sentences will have an opportunity to access beauty therapy on leaving prison.

The Institute’s director Agnes Ireri said the students had previously offered similar treats at children’s homes, homes for elderly and matatu crews.

“We found it necessary to show the prisoners that they are appreciated as fellow human beings. We have taught them how to observe hygiene and cleanliness such properly washing hands and removing dead skin on the face. Some expressed interest to train in beauty therapy in future,” said Wanjau.

A prisoner Patrick Kinyua who has been incarcerated since 2010 on a life sentence appealed  to the community not to judge prisoners as wrong doers since they had reformed.

He welcomed the treat saying it was the first time to be treated for a facial treatment in his life.

Harrison Kinyua who is serving a life sentence for defilement could barely hide his joy saying he never imagined he could enjoy such services, which they consider a privilege for the rich persons out there.

“We wish the Prison’s Department could consider such treats for inmates even if it’s just twice in a year. While here we feel discriminated by the society and look forward to such visits,” he said.

Deputy officer in charge of the prison Michael Mulang’a said prisoners were overwhelmed by the kind gesture from the students and appealed to other well-wishers to consider such initiatives for the inmates.