Fifty-four suspects who had been remanded at Waita prison in Mwingi central sub County of Kitui County have been released as part of efforts to decongest the prisons in the wake of covid-19 pandemic.
The suspects who included 51 males and three females were issued with gloves and sanitisers as they left the prison for use in fight against infection of the covid-19 virus.
Speaking to the press at the prison while releasing the suspects on Wednesday, the Waita Prison Warden Benjamin Limasia noted that the suspects being released were those who had been charged with petty offences.
“The suspects had been placed at the prison facility by the court awaiting hearing of their respective cases after they failed to raise required bond or cash bail in order to be released pending their case hearing,” said Mr. Lemasi.
Mr Lemasi further noted that the release of the suspects was in line with government directives to have the suspects charged with petty offences and remanded in prisons across the country be released on police bonds in efforts to decongest prisons.
They will be required to present themselves to courts for the hearing of their cases at later dates once the courts resume.
“All suspects will be notified when to attend the courts for the hearing of their respective cases and we expect them to respect the notification and present themselves before courts whenever they are required to do so,” Lemasi added.
The government is decongesting prisons to prevent overcrowding as a way to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the prisons.
Last week a total of 4,800 prisoners in different prisons across the country were released.
They included petty offenders and those who were in prison for a short term as well those who had been in prison for a long time but had just about six months and below to complete their sentences.
By Denson Mututo
Petty offenders released in prison decongestion.
