By Lilian Museka
Kisumu County, Kenya: At the heart of Prison Line Kisumu, there echoes a story of redemption, woven with the soulful chords of a guitar and the unwavering spirit of a man determined to turn his life around.
Meet David Alela, whose journey from incarceration to community inspiration is harmonized by the healing power of music.
Having entered the criminal justice system in 2003, Alela found solace in the strings of a guitar, drums, and keyboard, with each note serving as a lifeline amidst the confines of his cell. With dedication and passion, he honed his musical skills, pouring his heart and soul into mastering the instrument that became his beacon of light in the darkness.
As the day of his release drew near, Alela faced a crossroads, grappling with the weight of his past and the uncertainty of his future. But instead of succumbing to despair, he chose to embrace his passion for music as a catalyst for change—a decision that would ultimately transform his life and impact the lives of those around him. Other skills he had acquired while in prison included vocational skills such as panel beating and mechanical engineering. He also participated in rehabilitation engaging in spiritual fellowships and psychoeducation training, graduating in 2022 with a certificate, thanks to Crime Si Poa who facilitated the sessions.
Alela also pursued academic endeavors, earning his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCPE), after which he sharpened his legal knowledge and became a paralegal through the Crime Si Poa training program. He also furthered his spiritual journey by serving as a theologian.
His homecoming was a display of joy and celebration. As Crime Si Poa team made their way towards their homestead, they encountered people lining up on the road, eagerly awaiting his arrival with songs and dance. Three different churches had also gathered to welcome him along with the area assistant chief.
Speeches from family members still maintained their stand on Alela’s innocence, insisting that he had been wrongfully convicted. His 74-year-old mother, overcome with joy, embraced him tightly, her hands exploring every inch of him as she gazed at him with a smile. She expressed her gratitude to Crime Si Poa and the partnered church: Deliverance Church, acknowledging the support ‘during the dark days’
Upon regaining his freedom, Alela wasted no time in sharing his gift with the world. He sought out opportunities to play guitar in churches, using his talent to uplift congregations and inspire hope. With each strum of the strings, he poured his soul into melodies that spoke of redemption, forgiveness, and the promise of a new beginning.
Alela’s impact extended far beyond the walls of the church. Recognizing the healing power of psychoeducation, he became deeply involved in community outreach programs, volunteering his time to mentor at-risk youth on alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse. During his free days, he takes time to visit surrounding communities, armed with detergents and disinfectants to clean villagers infected with jiggers.
Alela attended a discipleship graduation at Kisumu Maximum Prison in December 2023 where he was awarded his certificate. The inmates were happy to see him back since they had witnessed his transformation. Even the officers recognized Alela’s positive change, offering him the chance to return and uplift inmates with his encouraging words whenever possible.
Today, Alela’s guitar serves as more than just an instrument—it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit to rise above adversity. His journey from incarceration to community impact is a testament to the transformative potential that lies within each of us, waiting to be unlocked and shared with the world.
As Alela continues to strum the strings of redemption, his melody reverberates through the hearts and minds of all who hear it, inspiring others to believe in the possibility of second chances and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
