Kiambu High Court Judge, Justice Abigail Mshila has underscored the need for the public to appreciate ongoing criminal justice reforms particularly with regard to rehabilitation and re-integration.
Speaking Tuesday when she launched the Legal Awareness Week 2024, themed “Law for the People, by the People,” at the Kiambu Law Courts, Justice Mshila said empowering citizenry in participation of the legal system is important.
“Justice is not just about releasing individuals; It’s about bringing our children back to their families and society,” she explained noting that rehabilitation is key not only for those incarcerated but also for the public, helping everyone understand the legal processes involved.
She acknowledged the presence of lawyers, judges and the judicial officers together with citizenry for participating in the event and encouraged all to engage freely with the legal professionals present.
“I credit the lawyers for their commitment to giving back to society without any charges,” she remarked, stressing that the legal services provided during this week are a chance for the community to receive quality legal advice at no cost.
Justice Mshila continued, “This is about participation, and I wish all of you the best in this endeavor. I urge the public to take full advantage of the services offered during this week’s activities”.
She announced that the Judiciary in the county has lined up a list of activities including the Children’s Service week that will begin on Friday this week and also a programme they are working on towards decongesting prisons in the month of November.
“We ask you to partner with us in all these initiatives and engage in public participation, ask questions and participate to the fullest,” Justice Mshila said.
Legal Awareness week 2024 is an annual event organized by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to enhance public trust in legal institutions and extend legal literacy and awareness to members of the community.
According to Lady Justice Mshila, the law is established to create trust in institutions, administer justice without fear or favour and thus, she encouraged attendees to utilize the one-on-one sessions available with lawyers to foster a better understanding of the law.
The LSK Nairobi Branch Kiambu Representative Wanjiku Ngochi reiterated the importance of the event saying; “Legal Awareness Week allows advocates to give back to society by providing free legal services across the country. The legal professionals are available to address public inquiries and this initiative aims to bridge the gap between the legal fraternity and the community”.
“Expect free legal services as we work to show that we are here to help and advocate for your rights,” Ngochi stated, reinforcing the commitment by the LSK to serve the public.
Lydia Kenyani, an advocate practicing in Kiambu, highlighted that advocates aimed at demystifying the legal process.
“We come up with such an initiative to make the people know that these are the laws and what is expected of them,” she added.
Kenyani acknowledged that many potential clients perceived legal services as out of their reach saying advocates are expensive, but assured that the advocates are approachable and willing to help.
By Magdaline Wangechi
