Inmate chops off his own penis after telling other prisoners he won't need it because he is not being released before Christmas

A Kenyan death row inmate chopped off his own penis after missing out on a presidential pardon.

After telling fellow prisoners that he would not need the organ anymore, Francis Karuri chopped off the appendage and then continued his work, before passing out on the floor in his cell.

He was discovered by guards and taken to the Kenyatta Nation Hospital to be treated for the wound, and unconsciousness due to loss of blood.

But, perhaps due to the fact that the injury was caused 13 hours before, the organ was unable to be attached by medics.

The inmate, who has so far served 15 years in prison was following proceedings of the Uhuru ceremony where 50 prisoners were sent free.

He was hoping that his name would be read out on a list of inmates which would be released in time for Christmas. But President Uhuru Kenyatta had not included Mr Karuri, and the prisoner took the drastic action. 

In Kenya it is a state tradition for the president to grant pardons to a set number of inmates on national holidays. At the ceremony the names of those who will receive a pardon are read out, and many eagerly wait to hear if they are on the list.

Friends of Mr Karuri said that he had been looking forward to seeing friends and family, and had expected to be released.