President William Ruto has ordered the release of 4,799 prisoners.
In an official Gazette Notice dated Friday, May 23, Ruto revealed that the pardon affects two categories of inmates: 2,135 petty offenders who had been sentenced to six months, and 2,664 prisoners who had six months or less remaining on their sentences.
The decision to grant the pardon was made following recommendations from the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee, chaired by Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, in accordance with Article 133 of the Constitution of Kenya and section 23(1) of the Power of Mercy Act. "The President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, upon the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on the Power of Mercy, remitted the unexpired portion of the respective sentences," read part of the notice.
Inmates at the Naivasha Maximum Prison on February 22, 2023 Photo Police and Prison Reforms Taskforce Kenya "2,135 petty or minor offenders of good conduct convicted to sentences of six months; and 2,664 offenders who have sentence balances of six months and below to serve," the notice continued.
