NAIROBI, KENYA — President William Ruto has invoked his constitutional power of mercy, ordering the release of 57 prisoners from correctional facilities across Kenya.
The decision, announced on Monday, April 28, 2025, was based on recommendations from the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC).
Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, in the official statement, declared, “His Excellency the President has extended the hand of clemency to fifty-six Kenyan citizens and one foreign national.”
The presidential acts of mercy include the conditional release of 31 prisoners serving life sentences. A foreign national from an East African Community (EAC) partner state was also granted conditional release and repatriation.
Furthermore, 25 individuals received remission, leading to their release following a reduction of the remaining portion of their custodial sentences.
President Ruto also granted general amnesty to all petty offenders serving sentences of six months or less.
Offenders with longer sentences but with six months or less remaining were also included in the amnesty.
Koskei emphasized that this action is in line with efforts to reinforce 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.
Detailed information regarding the presidential decision will be published in the forthcoming Kenya Gazette.
