Kericho County residents have tendered their submissions before the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee, proposing that offenders who are severely disabled, juvenile, terminally ill, elderly and pregnant, be pardoned within the confines of the law.
These views were fronted when government officials and Members of the Public representing diverse groups within Kericho County, participated in the open forum to review the legal framework of the exercise of the Power of Mercy, under Article 133 of the Constitution.
During the forum that was held at ACK Holy Trinity Church in Kericho town, participants were, however, concerned by offenders who had been released into the community, but still had criminal records of the offense for which they were convicted.
To resolve this issue, it was proposed that after an offender had been pardoned, criminal records should be kept aside for easy issuance of Police Clearance Certificates, in order for them to secure jobs and opportunities.
The forum chaired by the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC) CEO, Dr. Lydia Muriuki, was attended by stakeholders and representatives from the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), Civil society, religious groups, and security teams among others.
“We now have a draft policy and a draft amendment bill and we were in Kericho last year to collect views. Today we are here again to bring back the document to the people for them to review and check whether what they wanted has been factored in. The people of Kericho have spoken again and confirmed that their concerns have been taken care of,” said Dr Muriuki
Muriuki said the initial drafts which include the Mercy Police Framework and the Draft Power of Mercy Act and Amendment Bill 2022 can be accessed online through www.powerofmercy.go.ke for input and comments in compliance with the constitution of Kenya 2010 on public participation.
“Members of the public are also invited to submit comments to sec.pomac@cabinetoffice.go.ke,” she added.
By Kibe Mburu and Dominic Cheres
