Relief for 69 prisoners released from Garissa prison

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.