Kibaki orders release of 6,942 prisoners

By Athman AmranPresident Kibaki has released 6,942 prisoners to decongest penal facilities.
According to a press release from Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua, the President signed the order to release the 3,050 petty offenders, 2,828 first time offenders of good conduct, and 1,064 ordinary prisoners of good conduct two days ago.
"This is in keeping with a reform programme by the Government through the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure that our jails are not crowded," Mutua said.
He added the move was also part of efforts to ensure prisons are viewed as rehabilitation centres, and not just punishment centres.
Dr Mutua said the Government is holding 51,286 people either as convicted prisoners or suspects in remand.
"It is very expensive to hold prisoners. The cost of food alone per year to feed prisoners is more than Sh1.7 billion," he said.
The spokesman said if this cost is added to that of accommodation, medical treatment, clothing and staff among others, it becomes a huge burden to the taxpayer.
"Therefore, the Government is urging the courts to consider giving more non-custodial sentences for minor offences to reduce crowding," Mutua said.
The Government at the same time protested a report released on Tuesday by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, which claimed prisoners were still living in bad conditions.
Status of human rights
The report on the status of human rights in penal institutions said torture was prevalent while prison warders’ welfare, including housing, medical and uniform was not being taken care of.
"The report can only be viewed as a political statement with a certain partisan agenda, bearing in mind that the Prisons Department will be celebrating its 100 year anniversary next week," Mutua said in a press statement.
He said major changes have occurred in the department since 2008.