GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 2610

IT IS NOTIFIED for the general information of the public that the Attorney-General has appointed a Taskforce on review of the mandatory death sentence consisting of the following― Chairperson Maryann Njau-Kimani Members Emily Chweya Joseph Were Esther Nyaiyaki Michael A. Kagika Gerard Wandera Caesar Aja Imagoro Dickson Njeru Fredrick Ashimosi Shitembasi Sheriffsam Mwendwa Doreen Muthaura Virginia A. Nelder Anne Mary Okutoyi Joint Secretaries Muthoni Kanyugo Mercy Muthuuri 1. Terms of Reference of the Taskforce In reference to the Order issued by the Supreme Court on the 14th December, 2017 in Petition No. 5 of 2015 between Francis Karioko Muruatetu and Another vs The Republic; the terms of reference of the Taskforce are to― (a) prepare a detailed professional review with regard to the death penalty in the context of the Judgment and Order made in the Petition with a view to— (i) set up a legal framework to deal with sentence re-hearing cases similar to that of the Petitioners; (ii) review the legislative framework on death penalty in Kenya; (iii) recommend a guide to death sentencing; (iv) formulate parameters of what ought to constitute life imprisonment; (v) formulate amendments and enact a law to give effect to the Judgment; (vi) prepare and forward a progress report to the Supreme Court within twelve (12) months from the date of the Judgment; (vii) create awareness and sensitize stakeholders and the public on the Judgment and its implications and take into account their views on the same; (b) consider and prepare proposals upon undertaking comparison studies with other jurisdictions that have had equivalent situations; (c) consult with all key stakeholders who may have informed views on death penalty and the Judgment including religious leaders, relevant parliamentary committees and civil society organizations; (d) carry out any other relevant function as directed by the Attorney-General of the Republic of Kenya; and 29th March, 2018 THE KENYA GAZETTE (e) carry out such other functions as may be necessary or incidental to the foregoing. 2. Mode of operation In the performance of its functions, the Taskforce— (a) shall hold such number of meetings in such places and at such times as the Taskforce shall consider necessary for the proper discharge of its functions; (b) shall co-opt any resource persons as and when necessary, on short term basis, to assist in the achievement of the Terms of Reference; (c) shall call for, consider and inspect any report, record or document that will be relevant for the actualization of the mandate of the Taskforce; (d) shall make reports or updates, every two weeks, to the Attorney-General outlining any matters that may require urgent action; (e) shall receive views from members of the public and receive oral and written submissions from any person with relevant information; (f) may use official reports of any previous investigations relevant to its mandate; (g) may carry out or cause to be carried out such studies or researches as may inform the Taskforce on its mandate; and (h) shall have all the power necessary for the expedient discharge of its mandate including the power to regulate its own procedure. 3. Duration The Taskforce shall complete its work and submit its final report to the Attorney-General not later than twelve (12) months from the date of its first appointment and the Attorney-General may when necessary extend the period. 4. Secretariat The Secretariat of the Taskforce shall be based at the Office of the Attorney-General and Department of Justice Offices, Nairobi. Submission from the public can be addressed to the Joint Secretaries, Taskforce on the Review of Mandatory Death Sentence under section 204 of the Penal Code, c/o Office of the Attorney-General and Department of Justice, P.O. Box 40112–00200, Nairobi, or by email: reviewmds@ag.go.ke Dated the 15th March, 2018. GITHU MUIGAI, Attorney-General.