President William Ruto has the power to forgive a person found guilty of an offence according to Kenyan laws.
His ability to pardon a convict is known as the Power of Mercy which is highlighted in his role as the head of state.
The President can also postpone the punishment stipulated by the law courts for a specified or indefinite period.
The commander in chief of the armed forces, by executing his duties, may also remove or partially call for the withdrawal of a punishment imposed on a convict.
Limitations
However, the powers are limited by law. Ruto cannot solely call for a convict's forgiveness without receiving a report and recommendations from an Advisory Committee.
The committee, which is established by the law, deliberates on members who deserve President's pardon before recommending the names to Ruto.
Among the members who sit on the committee include the Attorney General, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and at least five other members who are neither members of state nor public service.
The committee that advises Ruto is established through laws enacted by the Parliament, which also dictates its limits.
Moreover, the Parliament further formulates criteria used by the committee to advise Ruto on who to pardon.
"The Advisory Committee may take into account the views of the victims of the offence in respect of which it is considering making recommendations to the President," the Kenya Law Reforms Commission states.
While issuing pardons, the President cannot interfere with the mandates of investigative agencies in the country, such as the office of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
