Judiciary meets public over drugs

By Patrick Beja

Mombasa Chief Magistrate Rosemelle Mutoka met the public at a seminar convened by the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK).

Members of the Judiciary listened to locals over complaints of drug menace at the Coast.

"We have resolved to hold seminars with the Imams and the community because we cannot do that in court," Mutoka explained.

During the function at Royal Court Hotel, Nominated MP Sheikh Mohamed Dor said Coast residents expected the courts to impose stiff penalties to drug traffickers. But Mutoka said courts handed down sentences on drug users and traffickers according to the law and it was important for the community to understand the limitations.

Chief Prosecutor at the Mombasa law courts Senior Superintendent Dominic Mate also attended the seminar.

"The coastline is porous and this is where drugs are sneaked in. Kenya should co-operate with neighbouring countries to fight the menace," Dor said.

He said he would push for amendments in Parliament to strengthen the law.

CIPK national chairman Sheikh Mohamed Idris said drug addicts frustrated their parents.

"Parents have to hide items from their children because they are targeted for sale," Idris said.

A reformed addict, Mr Ali Ahmed, urged the State to stop arresting and prosecuting addicts and instead open up rehabilitation centres for them.