At least 86 inmates were released from Kodiaga Maximum Security Prison in Kisumu following a prison decongestion exercise in which judges and magistrates reviewed more than 350 case files.
The exercise was part of the annual prison decongestion programme aimed at easing congestion in correctional facilities and promoting access to justice.
The initiative was led by Presiding Judge Alfred Mabeya and Justice Joe Omido of the High Court at Kisumu.
Judicial officers assessed eligible cases, focusing on minor offences, prolonged remand periods and matters suitable for non-custodial sentences, resulting in the release of qualifying inmates.
The exercise was conducted by the Kisumu High Court and was attended by Kisumu Chief Magistrate and Head of Station Dickson Onyango, as well as High Court Deputy Registrar Getrude Serem.
The activity underscores the Judiciary’s commitment to expeditious justice and the protection of inmates’ rights.
Members of the Kisumu Court Users Committee (CUC), including representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Kenya Prisons Service, the local Law Society of Kenya (LSK) chapter, and the Probation Department, accompanied the judicial officers to Kodiaga Prison.
In a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the team donated assorted goods to inmates to boost morale during the Christmas festivities, reaffirming a collaborative approach to justice and rehabilitation.
