Newly established Yala law court held its maiden sitting Monday, bringing to five the number of court stations in Siaya county.
Speaking to the media after the maiden sitting, Yala senior principal magistrate, Virginia Karanja said the opening of the court was in line with the head of judiciary, chief justice Martha Koome’s vision of making courts more accessible to the public.
Karanja said the judiciary was committed to ensuring that the distance covered by members of the public to access justice was reduced.
The magistrate, who was flanked by the assistant director of public prosecutions in charge of Siaya county, Joyce Mumu and the Yala court administrator, Violet Kisoli said they have already received 382 case files from the Siaya law courts.
“We have received 165 files related to land matters, 150 succession matters and 70 criminal case files,” she said adding that hearing of the cases will be expedited.
Karanja urged members of the public to also make use of other dispute resolution mechanisms recognized by the courts to help reduce case back log in courts.
“We encourage people to use the alternative justice system and the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms that help reduce backlog,” she said.
The head of public prosecution in Siaya, Joyce Mumu welcomed the operalisation of the Yala law court, saying it has helped bring services closer to mwananchi.
Mumu said that her office has been allocated space within the court precincts and pledged closer cooperation with both the judiciary and all stakeholders in ensuring quality service to the public.
By Philip Onyango
