CJ warns against resolving child defilement cases at home
Chief Justice Maraga (fourth from right) shakes hands with a resident of Mpeketoni when he arrived for the inauguration of the Mpeketoni Law Courts on February 13, 2017. PHOTO | KALUME KAZUNGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
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The CJ has instead asked them to have such cases reported promptly in order to allow for timely legal intervention and prosecution of culprits.
Addressing hundreds of residents during the inauguration of the Mpeketoni Law Courts on Monday, CJ Maraga said despite the fact that the judiciary was encouraging alternative dispute resolution among members of the community including sitting and resolving minor disputes at home, child defilement cases were not to be part of what should be resolved at home.
Chief Justice (CJ) David Maraga has issued a stern warning to residents in Lamu against hiding and resolving cases of child defilement at home.
The CJ urged them to instead report such cases promptly in order to allow for timely legal intervention and prosecution of culprits.
Addressing hundreds of residents during the inauguration of the Mpeketoni Law Courts on Monday, CJ Maraga said though the Judiciary was encouraging alternative dispute resolution among members of the community, including sitting and resolving minor disputes at home, child defilement cases were not to be part of what should be resolved at home.
He insisted that all child defilement suspects must be charged and jailed if and when found guilty and called on police in Lamu to be on high alert concerning the matter.
The CJ said: “What I have always been advising people is that not all cases should be brought to court. You should embrace alternative dispute resolution methods since out of court dispute resolution methods are less costly and no side will claim to have won. Issues to do with property inheritance among other related matters should be resolved at home. But I wish to however make it clear that child defilement cases are never to be addressed or resolved at home but in a court of law. We need such culprits jailed”.
He urged residents to observe peace ahead of the General Election.
CJ Maraga said the Judiciary was more than ready to deal with any disputes before and after election.
“I know politicians are coming to you to seeking votes. I am urging politicians to preach peace in their campaigns. We don’t want a repeat of what happened in 2007 and 2008,” he said.
