President Ruto Grants Clemency to 57 Prisoners

President William Ruto has pardoned 57 prisoners, underscoring a commitment to restorative justice and rehabilitation within Kenya's criminal justice system. 

The announcement, made Monday by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, marks a significant step towards fostering societal harmony through reconciliation and reintegration. The presidential act of clemency includes the conditional release of 31 prisoners serving life sentences, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives outside correctional facilities. Additionally, one foreign national from an East African Community (EAC) partner state has been granted conditional release and repatriation.

Twenty-five other prisoners will benefit from remission, reducing their remaining custodial terms and leading to their imminent release. The President also extended general amnesty to petty offenders serving sentences of six months or less, as well as those with longer sentences but less than six months remaining. The decision aligns with the recommendations of the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC), an advisory body tasked with guiding on matters of presidential mercy as stipulated under Article 133 of the Constitution. 

Koskei highlights that this move reflects the president's dedication to restorative justice, which is essential for the smooth reintegration of former prisoners into society. Koskei emphasises the need for collaboration among stakeholders in the criminal justice system to enhance reconciliation and rehabilitation efforts. President Ruto's call to action aims to strengthen the arc of justice by promoting community reintegration and reducing recidivism, the tendency for former prisoners to re-offend.

The timing of this announcement follows President Ruto's recent return from international engagements. On Saturday, he attended the funeral of Pope Francis in Italy, an event that drew global leaders, including US President Donald Trump, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.