Garissa Medium Prison has released 69 petty offenders to serve the remainder of their sentences under community service, as part of ongoing judiciary reforms aimed at reducing overcrowding in correctional facilities across the country.
The release exercise was led by Kitui High Court Judge Lady Justice Gitari Lucy Waruguru, who said the initiative would not only ease pressure on prisons but also allow minor offenders to reintegrate into society more effectively.
The inmates selected for release had been convicted by various courts within the county.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Lady Justice Gitari urged them to cooperate with community members, local administrators and the police as they begin their new assignments. She stressed the importance of adhering to the conditions of their release.
“Those who fail to report to their designated community service stations will be rearrested and returned to prison,” she warned.
The judge also revealed that 11 other inmates were not cleared for release after their parents, complainants, community elders and local chiefs raised concerns about their early return.
Garissa High Court Presiding Judge John Onyiego called on communities to support reintegration efforts by accepting the offenders back without stigma. He emphasized that community cooperation is essential to the success of the alternative sentencing programme and to reducing repeat offences.
The nationwide reform initiative continues to expand, with the judiciary expressing confidence that community service for low-risk offenders will help restore dignity, reduce prison congestion and promote rehabilitation.
Source: Citizen Digital
Written By Rodney Mbua
