Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) based in Kisumu County have launched a free legal aid clinic to support the disadvantaged and underprivileged members of society in accessing justice.
The drive, dubbed ‘Legal Aid and Artivism Forum in Kisumu,” will take place on the first Saturday of every month.
Human Rights Activist Boniface Akach, speaking during the launch at the Kisumu Peace and Justice Center on Saturday, said legal experts would use the platform to sensitize the public on their rights.
Kisumu Peace and Justice Center has partnered with Transparency International Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya -LSK (Young Lawyers Committee) Kisumu Chapter, Haki Africa, and the Menezes Foundation to carry out the monthly awareness campaign and help identify and address issues affecting members of the public.
“We will be having conversations with legal panel experts; this will involve having thematic artistic performances that are also geared towards igniting conversations towards human rights, access to justice, and artivism as a tool for promoting social justice,” said Akach.
Transparency International Kenya coordinator Elizabeth Daya hailed the program, saying that it will enhance matters of access to justice.
“We support the community on various issues they face on a daily basis,” said Daya. “In our community, we usually encounter cases that touch on land matters, the rights of arrested persons, and gender-based violence.”
According to Byron Menezes from the LSK, issues around succession and land are very prevalent in the region, and access to justice has been a challenge, especially in low-income areas, because of the high cost of legal and court fees.
“Access to justice is still a challenge, especially in low-income areas,” said Menezes. This is why we’ve chosen to come here today to try and ensure that at least we give legal aid and offer free advice to the community.” Menezes said.
By Albright Medaline and Yvette Obunga
