4,700 minor offenders freed under presidential pardon
2,135 offenders serving six-month sentences and 2,664 others with six months or less remaining have been granted clemency.
President William Ruto has remitted the sentences of more than 4,700 inmates jailed for petty offences or nearing the end of their jail terms, allowing them to walk free.
According to a gazette notice signed by Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, 2,135 offenders serving six-month sentences and 2,664 others with six months or less remaining have been granted clemency.
"Two thousand, one hundred and thirty-five (2,135) petty or minor offenders of good conduct convicted to sentences of six (6) months; and (b) two thousand, six hundred and sixty-four (2,664) offenders who have sentence balances of six (6) months and below to serve," reads the gazette notice.
The decision follows advice from the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee, which is chaired by the Attorney General.
The move is allowed under Article 133 of the Constitution and section 23 of the Power of Mercy Act, which gives the President authority to reduce sentences.
Only inmates who showed good behaviour were considered for release.
In April 2025, Ruto exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy, releasing 57 prisoners from various correctional facilities across the country.
The decision, announced on Monday, April 28, 2025, followed recommendations by the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC).
In the announcement, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said, "His Excellency the President has extended the hand of clemency to fifty-six Kenyan citizens and one foreign national."
The acts of mercy include the conditional release of 31 prisoners serving life sentences.
