President Ruto Grants Clemency to 57 Prisoners in Latest Presidential Pardon
In a significant exercise of executive mercy, President William Ruto has pardoned 57 prisoners across Kenya, a move aimed at deepening the country’s commitment to restorative justice.
The announcement was made on Monday, April 28, following recommendations by the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC). According to Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, the President extended clemency to 56 Kenyan citizens and one foreign national from an East African Community (EAC) partner state.
Among those released were 31 inmates previously serving life sentences, who have now been granted conditional release. Additionally, 25 individuals benefitted from sentence remission, allowing them early release after a reduction of the unexpired portion of their terms.
The President also declared a general amnesty for all petty offenders serving sentences of six months or less. Inmates who had more than six-month sentences but with less than six months remaining were similarly covered under the pardon.
Koskei emphasized that this latest move reflects a broader government strategy to reinforce rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
“To strengthen the arc of justice, the Head of State and Government has urged all stakeholders within the criminal justice system to explore ways in which the principles of reconciliation, restoration, rehabilitation, and reintegration can be more effectively expressed and implemented,” he stated.
The details of the Presidential action are expected to be officially published in the upcoming edition of the Kenya Gazette.
This act of mercy marks a continued effort by the Ruto administration to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that reformed individuals are given a second chance to contribute positively to society.
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President Ruto Grants Clemency to 57 Prisoners in Latest Presidential Pardon