Justice closer as High Court opens Garissa wing
Chief Justice Willy Mutunga during the official opening of the Garissa High Court on November 3, 2014. Plans are under way to set up stations in Wajir and Marsabit in three years. PHOTO | ABDIMALIK HAJIR | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Chief Justice Willy Mutunga said the expansion of High Courts across the country would continue.
- Plans are under way to set up stations in Wajir and Marsabit in three years.
- A magistrate’s court will be built in Mandera and a Kadhi’s Court in Ijara.
- Dr Mutunga was optimistic that the new court would help stop rights violations in the region.
The Judiciary has fulfilled its pledge to move justice nearer to the people by opening a High Court wing in Garissa.
Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who led the event, on Monday said Judiciary offcials were committed to investing more in justice for the benefit of people in marginalised areas.
“Establishment of the court is the Judiciary’s message to the people of Garissa that they have equal voice with those living in other parts of the country,” Dr Mutunga said.
He said the expansion of High Courts across the country would continue, with plans to set up stations in Wajir and Marsabit in three years.
A magistrate’s court will be built in Mandera and a Kadhi’s Court in Ijara.
TRAVELLED TO EMBU
Before the Garissa High Court was set up the people of Wajir and Mandera counties had to travel hundreds of kilometres to Embu for services.
Dr Mutunga was optimistic that the new court would help stop rights violations in the region.
“This will be the refuge of law-abiding citizens; it is where you must seek protection when your rights are threatened,” he said.
The station was opened just two days before the 34th anniversary of the Garissa massacre in which residents were brutally killed by state officers.
The Chief Justice also said that Mr Justice George Dulu would replace Lady Justice Stella Mutuku as the Garissa resident judge.
