Locals benefit from free legal aid

Law Society of Kenya Vice President Harriette Chiggai (center) addresses press during the legal aid launch of Western jurists’ forum at Roddys Hotel in Vihiga county on September 19, 2019. She’s flanked by Western Jurists Chairman John Oscar Juma (left) and Law students from University of Nairobi. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Vihiga residents have benefited from free legal aid in an event organised by Western Jurists Forum in conjunction with the University of Nairobi’s School of Law. Kenya Law Society Vice President Harriet Chigai said the move was aimed at connecting lawyers to clients.

“We have come with an aim of enabling residents get legal aid from lawyers from different places. It is one of our social responsibilities, we want to connect with local communities,” Ms Chigai said.

The event was held on Friday at Roddy’s Green Lounge, in a series of other events expected to take place in Western.

Chigai said the programme; dubbed Wakili Nyumbani will enable communities appreciate various channels they can use to solve disputes. 

Joy Osiema, senior lecturer at UoN said the exercise gives students exposure to learn from their seniors already practising how to help locals.