Coast prisons chief forced juniors to cook contaminated beans, say officers

A row has erupted between Coast regional prisons boss James Kodieny and the officer in charge of Shimo La Tewa Prison, Mr Samuel Nyuto, over the supply of food to the facility.

The dispute escalated last week when Mr Nyuto obtained court orders allowing him to destroy more than 200 bags of beans said to be unfit for human consumption.

Mr Nyuto moved to court after his boss allegedly insisted that the inmates be fed on the beans.

Results from the Government Chemist show the beans are infested with weevils.

Mr Nyuto objected to the beans being cooked and this reportedly resulted in differences that have affected activities at the prison.

A source confirmed that Mr Nyuto had opposed a bid to have the prisoners fed on the contaminated beans.

CONTROL PURCHASES

Observers believe the two officials are engaged in a fight to control the purchase of prisoners’ food.

Some wardens fear that the apparent power struggle at the prison could have alarming consequences.

“Some prisoners complained of diarrhoea after eating the beans,” said a senior officer.

The wardens now want Prisons Commissioner-General Isaiah Osugo to appoint a team to investigate the problem at the prison.

Mombasa Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) branch boss Hassan Khalid said they were investigating some top officials.

“We’re investigating their businesses and we will reveal the details later,” he said.

“Some of the suppliers are wardens, who are working with their bosses. Several suppliers are also under investigation,” said a source at the EACC, who asked for anonymity since he is not authorised to speak to the Press.

Corruption is said to be deeply entrenched at the prison with the top officials said to be fighting to control supplies to the facility.