The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has expressed concern over the low number of litigants seeking free legal court representation.
Nyahururu LSK Chapter Chairperson Chege Gakuhi said though the lawyers in the region had registered with Nyahururu law courts to offer pro bono services, only a handful of accused persons had requested the courts for the services.
Speaking at the Nyahururu law courts when he led the lawyers in a free legal clinic to mark the LSK Week, the advocate noted that since the week started a majority of those who had come to consult them sought advice on land issues and civil matters.
“We suspect that our people are not aware that they can request the court to get them a lawyer for free. We are always available and willing to take up legal representation when the accused persons are not financially able,” said Chege.
Chege regretted that most remandees lacked legal representation, leading to congestion at the T. Falls GK Remand Prison.
“Some cases here need out of court settlement as well as other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, yet the parties are not informed that a little legal advice would save them time and money unlike pursuing the matters in court,” said Chege, while calling on members of the public to always check with the courts whether they can get representation.
Nyahururu law courts has a pro bono Committee in place chaired by the deputy High Court Registrar Mr. James Wanyanga. There are however no notices to inform the litigants of the pro bono services.
By Anne Sabuni
