The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) in Nyahururu has advised Kenyans to participate in public participation when called upon as a way of expressing their views as well as exercising their constitutional right.
LSK, Nyahururu Practice Centre, Chairperson, Ms.Mourine Muriithi pointed out that participating in public participation in any matter that concerns them is their constitutional right and their views should be considered when Parliament or county assemblies are passing resolutions.
Ms. Muriithi who was speaking in Nyahururu during the launch of Legal Awareness Week outside Nyahururu Lawcourt premises said the annual event aims at bringing awareness to members of public about the legal processes involved in various court matters.
The advocate reiterated that one of the major inquiries by the members of the public is the issue of public participation; what it is as well as how is supposed to be done.
Ms. Muriithi said that during the legal awareness week LSK offers free legal services such as advising the members of public on court procedures especially when filing cases as well as on how to participate in filing procedures both physically and virtually and how to do make ups.
She observed that with such information the members of public will be able to follow up their cases as well as enhance fast tracking them with court registry urging the clients to engage services of legal personnel.
On mediation, Ms. Muriithi stressed that LSK also advocates for out-of-court settlement of matters which helps in the decongestion of cases in court as well as fast-tracking the conclusion of the matters.
Additionally, the advocate said apart from offering free legal services, the LSK has organized a visit to Nyahururu prison to meet with inmates.
Nyahururu Chief Magistrate Evans Keago called upon the members of public to utilize the legal awareness week to gain information on legal matters that they may be interested in.
Keago pointed out that though the legal awareness week is organized by LSK, the judiciary works closely with the legal body to enhance community awareness of legal information by bringing to their attention the event to clients who attend the court as well as having a desk for judicial staff who advises members of the public on matters related to court.
The chief magistrate said during the legal awareness week the community is advised on various aspects of law such as family matters, matters on succession, and land among other areas.
“We also share with members of the public what judiciary does in hearing cases, processes involved in hearing and determination of cases among other processes,” noted the magistrate.
The Legal Awareness Week will run for five days from October 28 to November 1st.
By Kimani Tirus
