Kenyans in foreign jails might serve terms at home
What you need to know:
- Transfer of Prisoners Bill to be tabled for third reading next week.
- According to the Bill, a prisoner would be handed over by request to Kenya from the sentencing country and vice versa.
A number of prisoners serving jail sentences in foreign countries might be transferred to Kenya to complete their terms if a Bill sponsored by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale is passed.
The Transfer of Prisoners Bill, which is to be tabled for the third reading when Parliament resumes next week, also proposes the relocation of foreign prisoners to be tried in their countries.
According to the Bill, a prisoner would be handed over by request to Kenya from the sentencing country and vice versa.
“The aim of this Act is to facilitate the transfer of prisoners between Kenya and countries with which we have agreements to enable the prisoners to serve their sentences in their countries of birth where they have community ties,” reads the Bill.
Mr Duale says the proposed law seeks to allow Kenyans with mental illness transferred home to receive a fair trial.
Mr Duale said other prisoners who should be considered for transfer are those sentenced to less than six months in jail in a foreign country or in Kenya.
Where a minor is involved, the Bill proposes provision of consent from their guardian or representative in Kenya or the foreign country to allow them to be transferred home.
