57 freed as President Ruto wields constitutional power of mercy

Fifty-seven prisoners, including a foreigner, are now free following President William Ruto's latest exercise of the constitutional power of mercy.

The announcement, made on Monday by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, revealed that the decision followed recommendations by the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC).

"His Excellency the President has extended the hand of clemency to fifty-six Kenyan citizens and one foreign national," reads the statement.

Among those freed, 31 prisoners who had been serving life sentences received conditional release.

Also included was a foreign national from an East African Community member state, who was released under conditions and repatriated.

Furthermore, 25 individuals had the unexpired portions of their custodial sentences reduced, resulting to their release.

The President also granted general amnesty to all petty offenders who were serving terms of six months or less.

The amnesty also benefited prisoners with longer sentences but with less than six months remaining.

The Chief of Staff noted that this move was aimed at promoting rehabilitation and restorative justice, strengthening the fairness and humanity of the criminal justice system.

"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 into the community can be more effectively expressed and implemented," Koskei said.

An official notice outlining the details of the presidential clemency is expected to be published soon in the Kenya Gazette.