No matter before court will be adjourned for whatever reason, Samson Ongeri, Oyugis senior principal magistrate has said.
The magistrate has instead asked investigating officers to prepare adequately whenever a matter is coming up to court
“The complaint of Kenyans is that they come to court and their matter is delayed,” Hon. said adding that the non-adjournment policy will be adhered to so that when a matter is listed for hearing, it should proceed as per the timeline for better administration of justice
The senior principal magistrate who was speaking during the Court Users Committee (CUC) deliberations said any matter before court should proceed, be withdrawn, or be dismissed but not adjourned except only under deserving circumstances that will be considered.
The CUC brings together stakeholders involved in the administration of justice to enhance public participation, address emerging challenges and improve access to justice.
Magistrate Ongeri, however, said if parties to a matter before the court are likely to agree outside the court, they should be given a chance, saying alternative justice systems can help the court to clear case backlogs.
“Oyugis law court has a registry for mediation; let’s make use of them,” he said.
On children’s issues, the magistrate said no judge will take a plea on a matter involving a child (or children) without the presence of the children’s officer.
He said the first call for all children matters should be at the children’s office, saying the law does not envisage children to be exposed to the criminal process as the outcome is deemed to be worse.
By Julius Moseti
