COPING WITH THE DENIAL OF SEXUAL RIGHTS FOR PRISONERS IN KAMITI MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON, KENYA

Abstract

This study set out to examine how the inmates in Kamiti Maximum prison cope with the denial of their sexual rights. The study was guided by the following: specific objectives to describe how inmates deal with sexual feelings while in custody; to evaluate the consequences of denying prisoners sex; and to determine how prisoners cope with the denial of sex rights. This research utilized a descriptive research design. The study found that prisoners relieve their sexual desires through anal sex with fellow inmates and masturbation, through non-penetrative sex, oral sex, and penal sex. Some of them voluntarily agree while others are forced, resulting in rape cases. The study also found that prisoners frequently get the urge to have sex, but since conjugal visits are not allowed in prison they opt for other ways of satisfying the feeling. The study therefore concludes that denying prisoners sex results in increased sexual violence which is “gender-based” whereby there is victimization and the stigmatization of female qualities in men, where perpetrators sexually abuse other men who are perceived to exhibit such female qualities. The study recommends that management of Kenya Prison Service should revise their policies and introduce a policy that will allow inmates to have conjugal visits. This will reduce the number of sexual violence in prisons. The study, therefore also recommends the government to implement human punishment on inmates who commit prison offences and ensure that disciplinary action is taken against officers who abuse the rights of inmates. The study recommends improvement of prison facilities and introduction of CCTV cameras to ensure that the prisoners are monitored to ensure that they do not sexually abuse other prisoners.