President William Ruto has ordered the release of 4,799 prisoners.
In an official Gazette Notice dated Friday, May 23, Ruto revealed that the pardon affects two categories of inmates: 2,135 petty offenders who had been sentenced to six months, and 2,664 prisoners who had six months or less remaining on their sentences.
The decision to grant the pardon was made following recommendations from the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee, chaired by Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, in accordance with Article 133 of the Constitution of Kenya and section 23(1) of the Power of Mercy Act.
“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,” read part of the notice.
“2,135 petty or minor offenders of good conduct convicted to sentences of six months; and 2,664 offenders who have sentence balances of six months and below to serve,” the notice continued.
The Act establishes the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee to receive, process, and review petitions from convicted persons seeking mercy.
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.
Following the recommendations of the committee, the Act grants the president the Power of Mercy, allowing them to pardon a convicted person, either fully or conditionally.
It also allows the president to postpone a punishment for a specific or indefinite period, reduce the severity of a sentence, or cancel part or all of a punishment.
The mass release comes amid growing concerns over prison overcrowding, with Kenya’s correctional facilities struggling to accommodate rising inmate populations.
Alternative sentencing and community-based rehabilitation have been suggested as ways to help ease the burden on the prison system.
The pardon comes a month after the President had pardoned 56 Kenyans and one foreigner who were serving long jail term sentences in various prisons across the country.
In a statement on Monday, April 28, the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, confirmed that the president granted conditional release to 31 individuals who were serving life sentences and remission and release to 25 individuals.
