More than 4,700 inmates serving short-term sentences will be released following a directive by President William Ruto, who approved the remission of their remaining jail terms on the advice of the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee.
In a gazette notice dated May 8, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, who chairs the committee, stated that the decision will benefit 2,135 petty offenders and 2,664 inmates who have less than six months left on their sentences.
“Two thousand one hundred and thirty-five petty or minor offenders of good conduct convicted to sentences of six months; and two thousand six hundred and sixty-four offenders who have sentence balances of six months and below,” the notice reads in part.
The clemency was granted under Article 133 of the Constitution and Section 23 of the Power of Mercy Act, which allows the Head of State to extend mercy based on the committee’s recommendations. According to the notice, those selected had demonstrated good behavior while in custody.
The move comes barely a month after President Ruto pardoned 57 prisoners across the country using his constitutional powers. The announcement, made by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, revealed that the clemency included 56 Kenyan citizens and one foreign national.
Among them were 31 inmates serving life sentences who were granted conditional release, while 25 others had their remaining terms reduced and were freed through remission.
A foreign national from an East African Community member state was released on condition of repatriation. The amnesty primarily targeted petty offenders and those with less than six months to serve.
