Freedom at 94: Sabina Isutsa released after months in prison
Back home, Sabina is no longer able to speak clearly or recall events well, a sign her family believes is linked to her experience in jail.
At 94, Sabina Isutsa has experienced more than most people will in a lifetime. But nothing prepared her for the six months she spent behind bars in Kakamega Women’s Prison, serving time for a Sh23,000 fine she couldn’t afford to pay.
Her release on April 17 brought tears, songs, and celebration among inmates and prison officers alike.
Sabina and her daughter-in-law, Priscila Wanjila, 37, were convicted of malicious damage after a neighbour accused them of destroying napier grass on a disputed piece of land in Ishisecheli Village, Eregi, Kakamega County.
They claimed the land belonged to Sabina, but the court found them guilty.
Unable to raise the required fine, Sabina was sentenced to one year in prison while Priscila was released earlier when her husband paid her Sh30,000 fine.
Several health challenges marked her stay in prison.
She dislocated her right hip after a fall and was admitted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where she underwent surgery that left her with a Sh70,000 medical bill.
Despite her age and frailty, Sabina’s time in prison wasn’t without impact.
"She brought joy to prison staff and inmates alike, and we wish her well," said Ann Sailet, Deputy Officer-in-Charge at Kakamega Women’s Prison.
According to Sailet, Sabina often prayed for others and kept a positive spirit, becoming a source of comfort to fellow inmates.
It was the African Centre for Non-Violence Today (AfriNov) that eventually came to her rescue. After learning about her case, the organisation stepped in and paid her fine, leading to her release.
"She was in hospital with a Sh70,000 bill for a metal implant in her bones. We felt she deserved better and decided to stand with her," said Mary Shimwenyi, a mediator working with AfriNov.
She added that the organisation will go back to court to seek a review of the case to understand how the elderly woman allegedly lost her land, which eventually led to her imprisonment.
Back home, Sabina is no longer able to speak clearly or recall events well, a sign her family believes is linked to her experience in jail.
"Life in prison is so challenging. You cannot go where you want or eat what you want; everything is monitored and controlled," said her daughter-in-law, who described prison life as harsh and overwhelming, especially for the elderly.
Sabina’s time in jail has sparked a debate on how the justice system treats senior citizens. Continued incarceration of the elderly is akin to a slow death sentence.
"Many of them are unnecessarily kept in prison even though their detention does little to serve the purposes of punishment, deterrence, or rehabilitation," said activist Linet Mwale, who believes the courts should impose punishments that take into account age and vulnerability.
Lawyer Patrick Mung’oma said the law lacks specific provisions that shield elderly individuals from imprisonment.
"It is a legal gap that must be addressed to protect elderly individuals from spending their remaining years behind bars," he said.
Sabina’s release may bring her some peace, but her case has left behind tough questions for a system struggling to balance justice and humanity.