President William Ruto chairs a cabinet meeting at State House on July 29, 2025/ PCSPresident William Ruto's led cabinet has approved the Power of Mercy Bill, 2025.
The Power of Mercy Bill 2025 aims to clarify the implementation of Article 133 of the Constitution and modernise the presidential pardon system.
The cabinet said that the proposed law introduces a structured, accountable framework for pardons, including mechanisms for supervised early release of fully rehabilitated inmates.
These reforms, they said, are expected to ease prison overcrowding and reduce the estimated annual cost of Sh87,600 per inmate.
“The Bill enhances public safety through reintegration protocols and repeals outdated provisions under Cap. 94, reinforcing the mandate of the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee,” a cabinet dispatch read in part.
The Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC) in Kenya advises the President on exercising the prerogative of mercy, as outlined in Article 133 of the Constitution.
The President can grant pardons, reprieves, commutations of sentences, and remissions of fines or sentences.
The Committee is responsible for reviewing petitions and advising the President on the appropriate exercise of this power.
On April 28, 2025, President Ruto exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy, releasing 57 prisoners from various correctional facilities across the country.
The decision 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 emphasised that the move aligns with efforts to strengthen rehabilitation and restorative justice principles.
