Inmate behind parliament seats among those released

The inmate behind the making and installation of over 50 seats in the National Assembly has been released from prison.

James Njoroge was released from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison following a pardon of nearly 7000 offenders from prisons across the country by President Uhuru Kenyatta during the Mashujaa Day celebrations.

Njoroge now plans to open a workshop and practice carpentry in his home area.

“I have specialised in carpentry, I can make car seats and the famous Bunge seats, I can do a lot and I’m just hoping that my family will not focus on the crime I committed. I am now focused on making myself a better man,” he said.

Mr Njoroge had been found guilty of robbery with violence in 1982 and has been fighting for an appeal of pardon from the government for years, but in October 24 his appeal was approved and he was released.

He had been sentenced to death, but his sentence was commuted to a life sentence before he was finally released after 23 years in prison.

“I have left behind friends and people I consider my family, and right now the inmates are making 42 seat for the Nyandarua County Assembly. So, there are more like me in there,” he said.

The facility still holds over 2000 inmates, some serving life sentences.