The ongoing National public debate which seeks to solicit views from Kenyans on the administration of capital punishment and management of capital offenses moved to Nandi county this Friday and the residents were given an opportunity to air their views concerning the debate.
The debate provides a platform for Kenyans to express their opinion regarding the capital offenses and what form of punishment capital offenders ought to be subjected to.
The debate which was held at Kapsabet Municipal Hall brought together various participants from the prison, security agencies, the clergy and business people among other participants who gave out their views and opinion concerning the topic.
According to their views, they opposed the abolishment of the death sentence citing that it is like a changing of laws governing the nation, and insisted the penalty for capital offenses and capital punishment should just remain the way it is.
Those who spoke had the same sentiments, insisting that Criminal offenders should be punished according to the law as removal of capital punishment will create confusion in the County and the entire country.
The public urged the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee to involve complainants and their relatives when recommending convicts of capital offenses for a presidential pardon.
The Power of Mercy Advisory Committee is a constitutional body established pursuant to Article 133 of the constitution with a mandate to advise His Excellency the President on the exercise of the power of mercy.
In addition to the constitutional mandate, the Power of Mercy Act 2011 assigns the committee with functions that supports its work including to undertake or commission research and to collect data on matters relating to the power of mercy.
The Committee has already taken views of the subject from across 35 Counties, including Nandi.