Meru Law Courts hosted a Dialogue Day, bringing together members of the public, legal professionals and key stakeholders in the justice system.
The aim of the event was to bridge the gap between the judiciary and the community by fostering open discussions on various legal processes, including cash bail, corruption, case hearings, bond processing, and bail refunds.
The forum provided a platform for citizens to ask questions, seek clarifications, and better understand how the court system operates.
Representatives from several institutions attended the event, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), prisons, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Office of the County Commissioner.
These agencies played a crucial role in addressing concerns raised by the public, while also strengthening collaboration within the justice system.
However, the most memorable presentation came when Denis Mutwiri, a reformed inmate convicted of murder in 2012, took the stage.
Mutwiri spoke on behalf of fellow inmates, highlighting cases where individuals are in prisons for years without a hearing.
“There are people in prison today who have been waiting for justice for far too long citing James Munene (Case No. E76, remanded since 2018), John Mutuma (Case No. E36, remanded since 2017) and Bonface Mwenda (Case No. E59, imprisoned since 2022).
These men have never had their cases heard. They wake up every day not knowing what their future holds,” he said.
Mutwiri urged the judiciary to prioritize such cases and ensure that the time spent in prison before trial is counted towards their sentences.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. If someone has spent years in prison without a trial, that time should be considered in their sentencing. We need a system that recognizes the pain of waiting indefinitely,” he added.
In addition, Mutwiri also emphasized the difficulties of securing employment for ex-convicts, particularly due to the process of obtaining a certificate of good conduct, which is often required for job applications.
“When we leave prison, we are expected to go back to our communities and start afresh. But how do we do that if we can’t even get a job?” he posed.
The certificate of good conduct takes time to process, and without it, no employer wants to take a risk on us. I ask the government in conjunction with the court to introduce a grace period for ex-inmates so they can find work and rebuild their lives, he pleaded.
After the speeches, attendees visited various help desks set up within the court premises. These desks were offering direct assistance to individuals seeking information and legal aid.
The theme of the Dialogue Day was to promote integrity, fight corruption, and enhance transparency through law enforcement, prevention, and education.
By opening the doors of the judiciary to the public and encouraging open discussions, the event reaffirmed the commitment of Meru Law Courts to a justice system that is accessible, fair and efficient.
By Dickson Mwiti
