Irungu's lawyer, Andrew Muge, claims the law treats death row prisoners as a "faceless group, dehumanizing them and preventing courts from considering individual circumstances". The petition also challenges the death penalty itself, arguing it's cruel, inhuman, and degrading, violating Article 25 of the Constitution.
The Attorney-General has opposed the petition, stating Irungu doesn't enjoy constitutional protections as a convicted prisoner. The High Court's ruling could have far-reaching implications for death row inmates' rights and constitutional safeguards.