By A, KNA
Members of the community from Emsea village in Keiyo South sub county have donated 2 acres to the judiciary for the construction of an Alternative Justice Centre (AJS).
Addressing the Elgeyo Marakwet Court Users Committee (CUC) meeting, the area chief William Chemwok said the community agreed on their own volition to donate the land in a bid to address various cases, especially the rising number of cases involving land in the Kerio Valley where it is located.
The chief told the CUC chaired by Iten Senior Principal Magistrate (SPM) Gladys Adhiambo that the land had already been surveyed, saying the only thing remaining was the paper work for the judiciary to get a title deed.
Adhiambo said the judiciary will avail the funds to construct offices and other infrastructure needed for make it fully operational.
The SPM said while the court system may be considered punitive, the Alternative Justice System (AJS) involves mediation by traditional elders and the community ensuring that conflicts are solved amicably, thus restoring harmony, while ensuring win-win situation for both parties.
The National Land Commission (NLC) county coordinator Rebecca Maritim hailed the community for availing land for public interest saying this should be emulated by others.
Addressing the same meeting, Weldon Chesire from the witness protection office expressed concern that his office has not received any witness requiring protection from the county.
He therefore called on the police and the prosecution to refer witnesses to ensure that survivors of various crimes access justice by giving evidence in court without any threats.
The SPM said some cases involving robbery and defilement have collapsed after witnesses failed to turn up in court to give evidence due to threats.
“We have seen cases of women fearing to present their children in court to give justice after they were threatened leading to the collapse of such cases,” she said.
Adhiambo called on members of the CUC to sensitize wananchi on the rights of children, even as the court enters the child justice month in November.