By Antony Zoka
The judiciary in Mariakani has called on the community to have a regular visit to the court premises to familiarize with the judicial proceedings.
According to Mariakani law court’s principal magistrate Kimani Mburu, gone are the days that judges and court officials would be viewed as gods.
Mburu maintained that the Kenyan constitution has granted every citizen his/her rights calling on every individual to take the opportunity to interact with various court committees.
“Despite the judiciary setting aside a dialog day every end of January as witnessed this year, this should not be the end of community or stakeholder engagement. We have our customer care desk, court user committees and bar bench committee aimed to bring our clients closer.” Noted the Principal Magistrate.
Since 2012 the judiciary has been transforming and has opened doors for stakeholders to bring in their views to ensure every Kenyan is comfortable in dealing with the court.
Mburu’s sentiments comes as Mariakani residents in Kilifi County called on the judiciary to consider having community engagement days after every 3 or 4 months in a year.
Led by Leah Deli, a gender champion, she revealed that some traditional beliefs in the area are a threat to justice, especially to young girls and women.
According to Deli, there is a need to have all gender-based cases treated with urgency, to act as an eye opener to the community and sound a warning to perpetrators.
“ Despite the advocacy that some NGO are doing within the community, its evident that some of the community members fear taking legal action to rape suspects. Most hardly comply with relevant stakeholders in bringing justice to victims.” Noted Deli.
Such sentiments were echoed by Mariakani location chief, Harrison Katana, who admitted having challenges in community understanding the legal process.
Katana urged communities in the area to work closely with security agents to deal with cases of indispline among members of the community.
“ Some accused individuals have been walking free within our community as a result of us failing to record statements at the police station, some fail to appear before the court to testify, a move that makes the court dismiss cases for lack of sufficient evidence.” Noted the area Chief.
Also present was Mariakani Law court administrator, Penina Wawazi, who called on members of the public to volunteer information that will make the court take action to criminals and perpetrators of gender-based violence.
“ Some community members have no faith in the court process but we assure every Kenyan that once every stakeholder plays his/her part properly, no one will blame the other in the justice process. Every case is determined depending on the evidence tabled before the court. ” noted Wawazi.
