President William Ruto has remitted the sentences of more than 4,700 prisoners.
Attorney-General and Chairperson, Power of Mercy Advisory Committee, Dorcas Oduor announced in a gazette notice that the 4,700 include 2,35 petty or minor offenders of good conduct convicted to sentences of six months.
In addition, the President, upon the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on the Power of Mercy, ordered the remission of the unexpired portions of sentences for 2,664 offenders who have sentences of six months or below to serve.
In total, 4,700 prisoners have had their sentences remitted following a decision by the President in line with the Constitution and the Power of Mercy Act.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 133 of the Constitution of Kenya and section 23 (1) of the Power of Mercy Act,” read part of the notice issued by Dr Oduor.
Why are the offenders to be released from prison
Article 133 of the Constitution grants the President authority to exercise the power of mercy, including granting pardons, reprieves, and remissions of sentence, among other acts of clemency, as advised by the designated committee.
“The President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, upon the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on the Power of Mercy, remitted the unexpired portion of the respective sentences.”
The Act establishes the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee to receive, process, and review petitions from convicted persons seeking mercy.
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The committee evaluates each case based on set criteria, including the nature of the offence, conduct of the offender, and public interest.
Its recommendations help the President make informed decisions in exercising the constitutional power of mercy under Article 133.
In April, President Ruto invoked his constitutional prerogative of mercy, releasing 57 prisoners from prison. According to a communique issued by the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, the 57 included 56 Kenyans and one foreigner.
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“His Excellency the President has extended the hand of clemency to fifty-six Kenyan citizens and one foreign national,” Koskei announced.
Among the 56 were 31 prisoners who were serving life imprisonment.
In addition, the President granted general amnesty to petty offenders serving six months or less at the time.
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