Kenya Releases 4,800 Inmates in Fight Against Coronavirus

The government has released 4,800 inmates as part of its measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Kenya.

In a statement on Thursday, the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) said the move is aimed at decongesting Kenyan prisons in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The released prisoners include petty offenders jailed for periods of less than six months and those whose remaining jail-term is less than six months.

The council said the 4,800 inmates will first be quarantined for the requisite 14 days before they are set free. The government also suspended all prison visits to stem the spread of the disease.

On Thursday, Kenya confirmed 29 more Covid-19 cases raising the total number of infections to 110. Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe also announced the death of two more patients, bringing the number of fatalities to three.