President Ruto pardons former KEMRI boss, 37 others

Former Kemri boss Davy Koech on September 15, 2021, when he was found guilty of corruption. [Collins Kweyu,Standard]

Former Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) boss Davy Koech is one of 37 individuals who have been pardoned by President William Ruto. 

The offenders were pardoned through a gazette notice dated July 19, 2023, upon the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on the Power of Mercy.

“It is notified for general information of the public that in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 133 of the Constitution of Kenya and section 23 (1) of the Power of Mercy Act, 2011, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces of the Republic of Kenya, upon the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on the Power of Mercy,” reads the gazette.

Additionally, the president also commuted the death sentence imposed on every capital offender as at the 21st November, 2022, to a life sentence.

Here is the full list of offenders pardoned; 

1. Burfa Jara Dokota
2. Ismael Kalamsho Kabiru
3. Mohammed Alango Durbu
4. Samuel Ndugi Ngugi 
5. Ann Wangari Mungai
6. Robert Matekwa Machafu
7. Joseck Nyaribo Ngangicha
8. Ann Ngonyo
9. James Githui Wathiaka
10. Mary Wanjiku Nduta
11. Davy Kiprotich Koech
12.  Abraham Musili Ngalukya
13. John Mwangi Gachogu
14. James Mbae Mutegi
15.  David Maina Irungu
16.  Linus Maina Wanyambura
17.  Francis Mwenda
18.  Julius Kangethe Mungai
19.  Catherine Ngene Kakumbo
20.  Wafula Wamukota
21.  Jane Chesigei Sang
22.  Purity Wangu Muchoki
23.  James Lopei Lotenel
24.  Edward Maina Thuo
25.  Julius Mbugua Nyiri
26.   Matthew Sigei
27.   Bonventure Mukhwana Mutali
28.   Stephen Kilemi
29.   John Kirunji M'Rimbere
30.   Peter Kariuki Kihara
31.   James Barasa
32.   Douglas Thiongo Kibucha
33.   Protus Simiyu Shikuku
34.  Joseph Ekitela Ekai
35.  Gabriel Wanjenji Kuria
36.  Joel Mburu 
37.  John Kimemia Waweru

Former KEMRI boss Davy Koech

Koech had been slapped with a Sh19.6 million fine or six year sentence in jail for fraudulent acquisition of public property in September 2021.

He was accused of transferring Sh19.3 million from Kemri’s bank accounts to his personal accounts when he was Managing Director.

Koech, however, appealed saying trial magistrate Victor Wakumile had made a mistake when he failed to consider inconsistencies in witness testimonies. 

The High Court, however, declined to review the decision.

"I have considered the application and the submissions by Prof Koech and the Prosecution and my finding is that the application has no merit," Justice Esther Maina said.