Ruto Pardons 57 Prisoners in Bid to Promote Restorative Justice

By Ollus Ndomu

Kenyan President William Ruto has pardoned 56 Kenyan prisoners and one foreign national in a sweeping clemency move aimed at advancing rehabilitation and restorative justice, the presidency announced Saturday.

The mass pardon includes the conditional release of 31 inmates serving life sentences, remission and immediate release for 25 others, and the repatriation of a prisoner from a neighboring East African country. President Ruto also extended amnesty to petty offenders serving six months or less, as well as those with less than six months remaining on longer terms.

“This is a step toward a more compassionate justice system that recognizes the potential for change and redemption,” said Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei. “It is part of our broader commitment to balancing accountability with humanity.”

The pardons were approved under Article 133 of Kenya’s Constitution, which grants the president authority to exercise the power of mercy on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Power of Mercy.

Officials said the decision was based on rigorous screening processes that considered good conduct, rehabilitation progress, and the nature of the offenses.

Human rights groups cautiously welcomed the move, urging continued reforms to address overcrowding and delays in Kenya’s penal system.

President Ruto has repeatedly emphasized his administration’s focus on justice reforms, with clemency actions seen as part of a wider agenda to modernize correctional policies and prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.