Busia Civil Society Organisation Network has condemned the Law society of Kenya Busia chapter for calling for the transfer of Busia Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti.
The network led by their chairperson, Mary Makokha, accused the advocates of colluding with some rogue officers at the court to delay justice and exploit complainants.
“Hon. Edna Nyaloti has been fighting hard to ensure that justice is served at Busia law court. She has been working hard to restore the status of the court that was overtaken by injustice, corruption and delays in justice delivery. This has created a problem between her and the advocates who were exploiting people in collaboration with other court officials to ensure they benefit through corrupt engagements,” said Ms Makokha.
They pointed out case number E117 of 2023 involving a high-profile individual in which attempts were made to obstruct justice through witness interference, bribery and threat.
They noted that Nyaloti handled the case before it was transferred to Kakamega where the accused was acquitted but the appeal was made and they expressed their hope that justice shall be done.
The network referred to the calls of the advocates as deeply troubling, adding that judicial officers should be given freedom to do their work without intimidation.
“This effort appears to be acts of intimidation aimed at undermining judicial integrity and reviving the bad past that Busia law courts have worked hard to overcome. No judicial officers should be intimidated for performing their duties with diligence and integrity.”
The network expressed their support to the judicial officers at Busia, urging them to continue giving justice to the local people according to the rule of law.
“We are in full support of the current judicial establishment in Busia. We urge them to remain fearless and principled in delivering justice. “We are proud of the progress made in Busia and we hope that all judicial officers will continue to serve with honour and uphold the rule of law,” said Makokha.
Francis Namuju, a member of the network, asked that the magistrate be given time to finish the cases she is handling.
“She has been bringing sanity in that court and those rogue advocates have been finding it difficult to run their business because of the strict measures in place. We want her to continue serving and delivering justice to our people until her time for transfer comes,” he said.
Dewa Amoit, another member, stated that the county has been experiencing a surge in gender-based violence and the court has been the source for justice.
“Last week we found a lady who had been gang-raped. Nyaloti has been helping to give justice to many families including women and children in the county. This county leads in cases of sexual exploitation and child trafficking. Many people have lost their land because of some of the rogue advocates. The chief magistrate has been fighting to ensure there is justice. The court has been the only hope for our people,” she said.
Eunice Adhiambo called for the LSK President, Faith Adhiambo, to intervene as she raised concerns on the intentions and qualifications of some of the advocates.
“We are telling these advocates that if they continue with their call, we are going to hold demonstrations and shame those who are corrupt. We had a lot of Kangaroo courts but with the leadership of Nyaloti, the Kangaroo court cases have dropped,” she said.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
