The Power of Mercy Advisory Committee has hailed the Tharaka Nithi Community for accepting and supporting two beneficiaries of the presidential pardon that has enabled them to continue leading normal lives.
The Committee Vice Chairperson, Dr. Janet Kirui said they were happy to see that the two who were released through the presidential pardon from Mathari Mental Hospital, where they were serving jail terms were already productive members of their society.
“It would be very shameful for this committee if those pardoned after our advice to the president went back to engage in unlawful activities. We really appreciate the positive attitude extended to these people that enabled them to become law abiding citizens,” said Dr. Kirui.
The Committee Vice Chairperson was speaking during a monitoring visit to Nelson Gitari Njue and Caroline Kaari who had been released from Mathari Mental Hospital after serving for 22 and 14 years respectively.
She said they saw love in the families and the communities where these two went back to and thus do not regret the pardon.
Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner (CC) Ms. Beverly Opwora who accompanied the committee representatives during the visit, advised the pardoned duo to come up with sustainable sources of livelihood to attract government support.
“Besides engaging in odd jobs like providing labour to neighbours, it would be easier for you to receive government support if you can come up with sustainable sources of income such as poultry or fish farming,” said the CC.
The Power of Mercy Advisory Committee is a constitutional body under Part II of Chapter Nine of the Kenyan constitution that after taking into account the views of the victims of the offence committed, makes recommendations to the President that could lead to their pardon.
By David Mutwiri
