Criminal Law: Treason in Kenya

In law,treason is the crime that covers some of the more extreme acts against one's nation or sovereign.

Historically, treason also covered the murder of specific social superiors, such as the murder of a husband by his wife or that ofa master by his servant. Treason against the king was known ashigh treasonand treason against a lesser superior was petty treason.

A person who commits treason is known in law as atraitor.At times, the term traitor has been used as a politicalepithet, regardless of any verifiable treasonable action. In a civil war or insurrection, the winners may deem thelosers to be traitors. Likewise the termtraitoris used in heated political discussion – typically as a slur against political dissidents, or against officials in power who are perceived as failing to act in the best interest of their constituents.

In Certain cases, as with the Dolchstoßlegende(Stab-in-the-back myth), the accusation of treason towards a large group of people can be a unifying political message. Treason is considered to be different and on many occasions a separate charge from "treasonable felony" in many parts of the world.

InEnglish law,high treasonwas punishable by beinghanged, drawn and quartered(men) orburnt at the stake(women), althoughbeheadingcould be substituted by royal command (usually forroyalty and nobility). Those penalties were later abolished.

Any person convicted of treason against Kenya will receive a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.