Kangundo Law Courts hit by shortage of magistrates

Administration of justice at the Kangundo Law Courts has been in limbo for several months due to a shortage of magistrates.

The facility, which has three courtrooms, is currently being served by one resident magistrate. The other two, a senior resident magistrate and senior principal magistrate were moved last year and are yet to be replaced.

The Standard has reliably learnt that most cases, especially those that require higher jurisdiction, are being rescheduled. Several lawyers who feel inconvenienced by the current status said the shortage of magistrates has put them on a collision course with their clients.

“As lawyers, most of our clients think the cases have been dragging unnecessarily. We also think it’s unfair to have just one magistrate whose jurisdiction is low and hence there are cases we can’t file,” a Tala-based lawyer told The Standard yesterday.

According to the lawyer, clients whose cases cannot be handled in Kangundo have been complaining over the high cost of travelling to Machakos where many cases are being referred to.

Alarmed by the delay in the dispensation of justice, relatives of suspects who are in remand have called on the Judicial Service Commission to intervene.

Lawyers claim there has been no official communication as to who is in charge of the station, and that this has made matters difficult for them and their clients.

The lawyers have also complained about the size of some courtrooms.

 “The chambers in Court Three are too small and yet it is a requirement that criminal matters be heard in an open court.

“Most of the time, people do not fit in such chambers, which also doubles up as a courtroom,” said the lawyer.