[2023] KEHC 22014 (KLR)
The court found that the applicant had served a significant portion of his sentence, demonstrated remorse, and shown positive behavioural change as confirmed by the prison authorities and the Sentence Review Report. In the context of the ongoing prison decongestion exercise, and upon recommendation by the Community...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2023] KEHC 22014 (KLR)
- Parties
- Applicant: Babu Swaleh Njera; Respondent: Republic
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Nakuru
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Revision Case E172 of 2023
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Revision / Ruling
- Outcome
- Application allowed. Applicant to serve remainder of sentence under community service.
- Judges
- HM Nyaga
- Legal Topics
- Narcotic Drugs, Sentencing Review, Community Service Orders
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Babu Swaleh Njera
Applicant
Republic
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Criminal Revision / Ruling
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the applicant should be released from prison and allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence under community service.
- 2 Whether the applicant has demonstrated remorse and positive change sufficient to warrant a non-custodial sentence.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the applicant had served a significant portion of his sentence, demonstrated remorse, and shown positive behavioural change as confirmed by the prison authorities and the Sentence Review Report. In the context of the ongoing prison decongestion exercise, and upon recommendation by the Community Service Officer, the court exercised its discretion to order the applicant's release from prison to serve the remainder of his sentence under community service at Miti Mingi Dispensary.
Court Disposition
Application allowed. Applicant to serve remainder of sentence under community service.
Orders
- The applicant is released from prison and shall serve the remainder of his sentence under community service at Miti Mingi Dispensary.
- File closed.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
23 paragraphs
Njera v Republic (Revision Case E172 of 2023) [2023] KEHC 22014 (KLR) (22 August 2023) (Ruling)
Neutral citation: [2023] KEHC 22014 (KLR)
Republic of Kenya
In the High Court at Nakuru
Revision Case E172 of 2023
HM Nyaga, J
August 22, 2023
Between
Babu Swaleh Njera
Applicant
and
Republic
Respondent
Ruling
1. This matter has been brought to me under the Prison Decongestion Exercise been undertaken by this court.
2. The applicant, Babu Swaleh Njera was convicted for the offence of trafficking of narcotic drugs contrary to section 4 (c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and sentenced to serve 3 years’ imprisonment on February 17, 2022.
3. He has so far served about 1 year and 7 months in prison.
4. According to the Sentence Review Report filed on August 1, 2023, the Community Service Officer, Samuel Ndung’u recommends community service at Miti Mingi Dispensary for the remainder of his sentence.
5. The report further states that the convict, upon release from prison, plans to go back and live with his parents who will provide food, shelter and clothing for him till he becomes stable and finds a job.
6. The report states that the convict did not undergo any formal training while in prison; has received counselling geared towards general behavioural chance and the prison authorities vouched for his release stating that he has portrayed a positive change. The applicant is remorseful and very apologetic for his actions and is willing and ready for a non-custodial sentence if considered.
7. In light of the above and with the view to decongest the prison, I hereby exercise judicial discretion and order that the convict be released from prison and that he serves the remainder of the sentence under community service at Miti Mingi Dispensary.
8. File closed.
DATED, SIGNED & DELIVERED AT NAKURU THIS 22NDAUGUST, 2023. H. M. NYAGAJUDGEIn the presence of:C/A JenifferMs Murunga for stateApplicantNakuru H.C. Criminal Revision E172 of 2023 Page 2 of 2