Wanini Kireri: Uhuru Mourns Kenya’s First Female Commandant of Prison Staff Training College

President Kenyatta has mourned the death of Senior Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Wanini Kireri.

Wanini, who made history by becoming the first-ever female Commandant of Prisons Staff Training College, died on Tuesday at AAR Hospital along Kiambu Road where she was undergoing treatment after a short illness.

In a message of condolence to the family, President Kenyatta eulogized Wanini as a trailblazer who broke the glass ceiling for Kenyan women serving in the prison service through sheer hard work, determination and discipline.

The president regretted that death had robbed Kenya of one of her brightest stars whose decades of outstanding public service had helped uplift the profile of Kenya Prisons Service.

Wanini Kireri joined the Kenya Prisons Service as a Cadet in 1982 and has over the years risen through the ranks to become Kenya’s highest-positioned prisons officer, earning several accolades and decorations along the way. 

The Commissioner-General of Kenya Prisons Brigadier (RTD) John Warioba mourned Wanini as a gallant, dedicated and selfless officer.

“She was a gallant, dedicated, selfless and committed officer. Her illustrious career saw her serve in the service in various capacities. On my own behalf and on behalf of the Kenya Prisons Service. I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to the family and the Kenya Prisons fraternity as I join them at this moment of grief,” said Warioba in a statement.

The deceased was appointed as the Commandant of Prisons Staff Training College in 2019, becoming the first woman to hold this position in Kenya.