Our journey with the Miss Lang’ata pageant began with a fortunate meeting with Pinky Ghelani, who entrusted us with the opportunity to serve as judges. On the first day, I’ll admit—I was a little anxious. I didn’t know what to expect. After all, this is a maximum-security facility. Maximum! That means it’s not your everyday offense that lands you there,it has to be something major.
When we arrived, we were introduced to the officers in charge, who warmly thanked us for our interest in the event. They also guided us on where to seek approval for any information we wished to share about the prison ecosystem and programs.
If you want to know more about the rehabilitation programs, check out our article “The Price of Freedom: Reflections from Lang’ata Women’s Prison.”
In brief, it was nothing like I had imagined. The inmates had access to various activities and programs designed to equip them with new skills to thrive after release. Many were even pursuing certifications or degrees. It was an inspiring first impression.
When we returned for rehearsals, the energy was contagious, chaotic...yes, but in the best way. The choreographers led with both firmness and humour, and everyone seemed genuinely invested.
The day of the event began with the T-formation. We were first introduced to the staff participants, and to our surprise, even the male staff had their own segment—Mr. Lang’ata.
"The story behind this started as a playful dare from the judges, challenging the boldest among them to take the stage and show off their walk. One of them, Aisha, a young and promising staff member (and a dance instructor), charmed everyone the moment she stepped onto the stage. From that moment, staff participation became an integral part of the pageant, creating an opportunity for closer, more human connections between staff and inmates—moments of laughter and shared creativity that broke down invisible barriers."
Then came the inmates’ turn. Their synchronized dance performance was nothing short of mesmerizing—precise, graceful, and full of emotion.
What struck me most was the inclusivity of the event. Right after the main dance, the elderly inmates had their own performance—adorable, touching, and deeply moving. Everyone had a chance to shine.
Next came the Professional Occupation Category, where participants dressed to represent the careers they aspired to pursue—an electrician, a singer, a military officer, a cleaner, a DJ. It was heartwarming to witness them dreaming of a brighter future, imagining themselves beyond the confines of their current reality.
Then arrived the most anticipated moment, the modeling performance. The first theme, Swahili Elegance, radiated Mombasa charm, with colorful deras and rich textures. We also saw strong West African influence, Bazin fabrics, boubous, and African prints.
The staff came first
Followed by The in-mates
The male segment followed, featuring casual wear. What stood out most was the energy of the crowd—the inmates cheering for their favourites, turning the show into a joyful mix of fashion and friendship. They all weren’t professional models, but their passion, confidence, and authenticity easily made up for it.
Then came the Creative Wear section, where participants showcased outfits made entirely from recycled and upcycled materials. One dress was made of straws, another of discarded face masks. There was one crafted from flowers, another from broken CDs, and others from towels, shopping bags, gift wraps, even balloons! It was whimsical, playful, and innovative proof of the incredible imagination and resourcefulness within those walls.
A series of dance and music performances followed, each livelier than the last. Big shoutout to the DJ and performers, they kept everyone on their feet, turning the event into a full-blown celebration.
Then came the Dinner Wear segment, a showcase of elegance and grace. The staff went first, cat-walking across the stage in gowns that accentuated their figures beautifully, slits that flattered rather than revealed, balancing modesty and allure perfectly. The male staff followed in sharp suits and ties, exuding refinement.
Finally, it was the inmates’ turn. As they walked out in their gowns, the crowd erupted in cheers. I noticed the pure excitement of fellow inmates in the audience, smiles, nods, and claps of encouragement. For a moment, it felt like we were all transported outside those walls, sharing a collective breath of freedom and joy.
Then came the final moment, the judging. The panel consisted of Lynn Mulei, AfriHue’s Director, Raymond Munene, and .... Pinky Ghelani, who was meant to be part of the panel, couldn’t stay long but left such an important decision under very capable hands.
Judging wasn’t easy. The standards for evaluating fashion displays are usually quite technical. Miss Earth, for example, assesses creativity, walking skills, composure, synchronization, and the sustainability message behind each outfit. But there’s also something intangible beyond the technical, I call it aura.
For Miss Lang’ata, the judging criteria included creativity, presentation, and clarity during the Q&A.
However, Lynn later told that that her choice was mainly determined by the contestants' ability to have fun, radiate joy, and show up fully for the people being represented. That, Lynn told me later, is what she looked for most, the spark of authenticity and hope.
Not all her choices made the final cut, but she left deeply moved, honoured to meet individuals who, despite learning from their mistakes the hard way, still carried immense hope for the future.
One piece of advice I received that day has stayed with me: Any of us could be there. Pride, anger, lack of self-control—or even lack of self-love, can lead anyone down a dangerous path. There is no saint without a past, and no sinner without a future.
So, appreciate yourself each time you choose not to give in to anger, despair, or hopelessness. And if you stumble, remember, it’s not the end. As the owner of Rina Cakes beautifully said during her speech, sometimes that which is whole must be broken to reveal the greater beauty within it.
