The government has defended its decision to release and deport two Iranians who were each serving 15-year jail terms at Kamiti Maximum Prison.
Speaking to Nation, Kenya Prisons Service Director of Communications, George Dianga, explained that the two foreigners - Sayed Mousavi and Ahmed Mohammed - were released as they had been pardoned by former President Uhuru Kenyatta as dictated by the Constitution.
Dianga added that the duo was among over 3,000 prisoners pardoned by Uhuru on July 1.
He refuted reports claiming that there was an ill motive behind their release.
“Their release was delayed as we had to liaise with the immigration department for their deportation as they were in the country illegally.
“One can be released from prison in three ways; finishing your sentence, appealing successfully or applying for the power of the mercy committee. Every prisoner is also entitled to remission where a third of your sentence is reduced as so long as you behave well in prison,” he stated
Reports, however, alleged that the two Iranians received special treatment while serving their sentence at Kamiti.
The two were, reportedly, placed in the most secured block and accessed services other inmates were barred from enjoying.
It was reported that they had access to a TV screen and a flush toilet.
The two Iranians were arrested in Mombasa County in 2012 while in possession of explosive materials.
Consequently, they were sentenced to life, but upon successive appeals, their jail terms were reduced to 15 years.
Notably, the case of the two Iranian drew media and diplomatic attention over the years. In 2019, the Supreme Court led by former Chief Justice David Maraga upheld the decision to have the two sentenced to 15 years.
At the time, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) was seeking to have the two serve a longer jail sentence.
Equally, in the same year, Kenya was caught in a diplomatic rift with Iran after it was alleged that the then-Iranian ambassador attempted to help the duo escape from Kamiti Prison.
