Ukweli Party leader Boniface Mwangi has declared his intention to introduce the death penalty for individuals convicted of corruption if elected president in 2027.
Sharing a campaign video on social media on July 27, 2026, Mwangi emphasized a no-compromise stance on graft. He stated, “As President of Kenya, I will fight corruption fearlessly. Laws will be amended so that corruption offenses carry the death penalty.” He further affirmed that those found guilty of embezzling public resources would face prosecution and capital punishment.
Current Legal Context of the Death Penalty in Kenya
Kenya’s Penal Code still includes the death penalty for crimes such as murder, treason, and violent robbery. However, corruption is not categorized as a capital offense under existing law. Although death sentences can be imposed, Kenya has not executed anyone since 1987, effectively making it abolitionist in practice.
Previous presidents, including Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and currently William Ruto, have commuted death sentences to life imprisonment. Additionally, the Supreme Court in 2017 ruled the mandatory death penalty for murder unconstitutional, requiring courts to consider mitigating circumstances.
Legislative Hurdles for Mwangi’s Proposal
Implementing capital punishment for corruption would require parliamentary approval to amend the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act or other relevant laws. Presently, corruption offenses carry penalties of fines up to Ksh1 million, imprisonment up to 10 years, or both, with additional fines linked to the extent of the loss.
Since the constitutional right to life is protected, any amendment that affects this right would likely need a referendum, backed by a two-thirds majority in both parliamentary houses or through a popular initiative supported by at least one million voters.
Though the constitution allows deprivation of life where authorized by law, Mwangi’s proposal would face significant legal scrutiny concerning proportionality, human dignity, and the right to life.
Global Perspective on Capital Punishment
Countries that retain the death penalty include China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, Singapore, Somalia, Botswana, and the United States. Amnesty International notes that over two-thirds of countries have abolished capital punishment either in law or practice. Kenya remains among those that retain it legally but have not carried out executions for decades.
Mwangi’s campaign has brought capital punishment into the spotlight as part of his broader anti-corruption strategy, sparking debate on whether harsher penalties can effectively curb graft while balancing constitutional protections.
