Thika, Ruiru and Makongeni prisons intend to release 632 petty offenders to decongest prisons, the central provincial probation officer Kala Muasya said. Muasya said the government spends a lot of money daily to keep offenders in the prison while the people can serve in the community as a form of punishment. He noted that many children lacked parental care and support when parents are in jail, for petty offences. “Those to be released will not pose threat to residents as probation officers will carry out enquires into their backgrounds from the communities they originate from,” said Muasya. He called on the members of the public to get the correct impression of releasing the offenders adding that serious offenders serving long jail term will not be released. Speaking on Thursday during probation case committee meeting in Thika, the officer informed members that the community service order program has been ongoing and have structures that ensure effective management of offenders, where they offer free labour in institutions under close supervision. He appealed to the members of the public to change their attitude and understand the importance of preventing crime hence the need to support government efforts. He said change of attitude can rehabilitate criminals if only encouraged.

Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa