CHRISTIANITY AND TRANSFORMATION OF ADULT CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR IN KAKAMEGA MAIN AND WOMEN PRISONS

Abstract

Adult criminal behavior is one of the vices that affect society. Various initiatives have been proposed to address it. However, most of the initiatives are not clear in their consideration of religion in general, and Christianity in particular with reference to their role in addressing this vice. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Christianity in the transformation of adult criminal behaviour in Kakamega Main and Women prisons. To do this, the study sought to find out the position of Christianity on prison and criminal behaviour in general, examined adult criminal behaviour and prisons as a societal phenomenon and evaluated what Christianity has done on the transformation of adult criminal behaviour in Kakamega main and women prisons from a functional theory of religion point of view. This theory focuses on the relationships between religion and other social institutions in what can be termed as both synchronic and diachronic perspectives. To this end, the study examined the views of prisoners, ex-prisoners, prison officers, chaplains, and welfare officers, officers in charge and the chief of Bukhungu Location on Christianity and its relationship with transformation of adult criminal behaviour. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data. The study found that there was a disconnect in the understanding, appreciation and acceptance of the prison as a rehabilitative and corrective institution. This was because, society in general and the church in particular was still stooped in its traditional position that once incarcerated the ex-prisoner is no longer helpful to the society. The society’s and church’s perception of the prison situation was influenced by the history of prisons in Africa that had contributed significantly to the negative perception. As a result, the transformative reforms in prisons in line with their enhanced mandate had not convinced the wider society including the church. This study recommended that Christianity as represented by the church must bend itself to its true image and mandate in which people are given a second chance. By so doing, Christianity has the potential to contribute to the wider society’s acknowledgement and participation in a more humane perception that, beyond imprisonment is life.