The ODM leader Raila Odinga has promised to free petty offenders in the event the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition wins the upcoming presidential election.
Speaking during a virtual rally on Friday, April 15, the ODM leader said wrong to continue jailing petty offenders when those accused of embezzling huge sums were still free.
“When I get into government, I will ensure that petty offenders are set free. My focus will be dealing with those who are corrupt but are still roaming free,” Raila said.
While giving an example of Alvin Chivondo, a youth who was sentenced to a year in prison for stealing cooking oil and rice, Raila wondered why the Judiciary is always first to sentence petty offenders unlike those who have committed capital offenses.
“This is a very worrying case; it shows just how flawed our judicial system can be at times. He is just a petty offender but he was sentenced quite quickly yet we have persons facing graft cases,
“In most cases, they are not even arrested and when they are apprehended, they get out of remand quickly. When they are freed on bail, nobody follows up on their cases.” Raila stated.
The former premier promised to initiate changes aimed at arresting and prosecuting the biggest offenders instead of filling up prisons with petty offenders.
After Chivondo was sentenced, the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya presidential candidate called for his unconditional release.
But former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko came to Chivondo’s rescue by paying Ksh 100,000 which was the alternative fine for shoplifting goods worth Ksh 3,165 from a local supermarket.
