Ensure justice for inmates bishop tells Judiciary

By Osinde Obare

Kitale Catholic Bishop Maurice Crowley has urged the Judiciary to speed up cases to enhance justice and de-congest prisons.

Crowley said some prisoners have been denied justice due to delayed conclusion of cases.

Speaking at Kitale Main GK Prison while presenting Christmas gifts to prisoners, Crowley urged for expedition of cases to de-congest prisons.

“Judiciary should strive to ensure conclusion of cases to ensure delivery of justice,” said Crowley.

The clergy was responding to calls from inmates that the Church intervenes on delayed dispensation of justice. The bishop praised the leadership at the Prison under Mr Ahmed Rashid for improved infrastructure and living conditions.

“I’m happy that the leadership has been able to put up a modern kitchen and improve inmates diet,” he said.

Dishonest views

Crowley at the same time urged politicians to stop propagating dishonest views that could incite the electorate to violence.

He said political leaders should speak truthfully adding that this, can help avert repeat of post-election violence witnessed in 2008.

Meanwhile, President Kibaki has been urged to consider pardoning inmates who have served their sentences for a long time and have reformed.

Pastor Mike Brawan of Metro Church said this would ease congestion in penal institutions.

“Prisoners convicted of petty offences serving sentences not exceeding six months should be allowed to leave correctional facility to take part in national development,” he said.

Speaking while on a tour of Nakuru GK Prison during Christmas, he said most of those convicted years back have already reformed and need to be allowed back to the society.

-Additional reporting by Vincent Mabatuk