President William Ruto has 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.
One foreign national from an East African Community partner state was also granted conditional release and repatriation.
Additionally, 25 individuals were granted remission and released after a reduction of the unexpired portion of their custodial sentences.
The President also granted general amnesty to all petty offenders serving six months or less.
Offenders with longer sentences but with six months or less remaining were also covered by the amnesty.
Koskei emphasized that the move aligns with efforts to strengthen rehabilitation and restorative justice principles.
“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 stated.
Details of the presidential action will be published in the upcoming Kenya Gazette.
