Kamiti Maximum Security Prison is in Nairobi. Originally called Kamiti Downs, it is on a 1,200-acre land. It was built for 1,400 inmates, but has more than 3,600 and 700 warders. Many executions have been carried out in Kamiti.

Liberation leader Dedan Kimathi was hanged by British colonialists on February 18, 1957. During the 1980s and early 90s, political prisoners were held at Kamiti, including Kenneth Matiba, Raila Odinga, Koigi  Wamwere and writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o.