Garissa High Court presiding Judge Justice John Onyiego speaking to the press
GARISSA Medium Prison has released 69 inmates to serve the remainder of their sentences
through community service in a Judiciary effort to decongest prisons
nationwide.
The
exercise, led by Kitui High Court presiding judge Lucy
Waruguru, involved prisoners sentenced by courts in Kitui county.
Speaking
during the release, Justice Gitari urged the prisoners to cooperate with
community members, local administrators, and police, warning that those who
fail to report to their assigned stations would be rearrested.
“We have
reviewed the cases and released prisoners who can serve their sentences outside
in the form of community service. Out of 126 prisoners, 69 have been released,”
she said.
She added
that 11 prisoners were denied release due to concerns raised by parents,
complainants, community members, and local chiefs.
Garissa
High Court judge John Onyiego urged communities to accept the
released prisoners and integrate them without stigma.
“Community
service is a legal sentence under our constitution. Accepting them allows for
reform and prevents repetition of past mistakes,” he said.
The Judiciary emphasised that the release does not equate to full discharge, but
serves as a legal alternative to imprisonment, promoting rehabilitation while
easing overcrowding in prisons.
