The Makindu Law Court will hold special sessions to clear a backlog of over 220 defilement cases, the Makueni Presiding Judge Justice Hedwig Ong’udi has said.
Justice Ong’udi said the sittings which will be held in the next three weeks will help serve justice to both the complainants and the accused.
Speaking on Monday when she launched the children’s service week at the court’s ground, the Judge noted that the number of defilement cases in the county were on the rise, terming the trend as worrying.
“In every two or three days, a defilement case is reported in the county,” said Justice Ong’udi.
She disclosed that three magistrates had been enlisted to help fast track the cases that have been before the court since 2017.
The Principal Magistrates, Edward Too, Temba Sitati and Senior Resident Magistrate, Charles Mayamba have been brought on board to ensure the cases are completed within the stipulated time.
The Judge called on both the investigating and prosecuting arms of the government to play their part and ensure that justice is delivered to the complainants.
Judge Ongudi called on witnesses to avail themselves in court without fail and testify as required.
“Let every department and agency do its work and parents should not hide evidence as it will not help the victim,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, the Makueni Director of Public Prosecutions, Monica Oenga said there was a need to have the cases expeditiously handled to avoid unnecessary delays that could lead to loss of evidence.
The DPP said that two prosecutors have been assigned to help in the special sessions that will be discharged in six magistrate’s courts.
“One of the prosecutors is specialized in children matters and we hope this will bring justice to the victims of defilement,” said Ms Oenga.
On his part, the Makueni County Commissioner (CC), Maalim Mohammed warned chiefs and their assistants against holding Kangaroo courts to arbitrate defilement cases.
He said those found mediating on defilement cases will be sacked and prosecuted.
The administrator attributed the rising cases of defilement to drug and substance abuse and ordered a crackdown on the same.
“We have declared a total war in the fight against drugs and substance abuse to end the menace,” he said.
Also in attendance was Makueni Woman Representative, Rose Museo who blamed the backlog of cases on inadequate magistrates.
She urged the judiciary to increase the number of magistrates to prosecute cases that have piled over time.
By Patrick Nyakundi/Roselyne Kavoo
