Garissa Prison Frees 69 Petty Offenders in Bold Move to Alleviate Overcrowding
Garissa Medium Prison has released 69 petty offenders to serve the remainder of their sentences through community service as part of nationwide judicial reforms aimed at easing prison congestion.
The release exercise was led by Lady Justice Gitari Lucy Waruguru from Kitui High Court, who emphasized the importance of the offenders integrating positively within their communities and complying with conditions to avoid re-arrest.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts by the Judiciary to implement restorative justice and reduce incarceration for minor offences, promoting social harmony by enabling offenders to contribute to community development rather than face incarceration.
The judge also revealed that 11 prisoners were denied release due to concerns from community members and victims, underlining the careful vetting process involved in deciding who qualifies for early release.
Presiding Judge John Onyiego of Garissa High Court urged the public to accept the reintegrated offenders without stigmatization, highlighting the need for support in their successful rehabilitation.
This move is part of a larger policy to replace short prison terms with community service orders, reducing overcrowding while enhancing offenders’ ability to reform and reintegrate into society.
The release from Garissa Prison mirrors countrywide trends where thousands of petty offenders have been freed under community service orders to relieve pressure on correctional facilities.
The government and judiciary are working closely to expand these non-custodial options, thereby improving prison conditions and focusing on offender rehabilitation rather than mere imprisonment.
These measures reflect a shift towards more humane and effective criminal justice practices in Kenya