Nyandarua County’s second court in Ol Kalou, opened its doors to serve justice to the residents, as the area legal counsel offered free legal aid.
Principal Magistrate Rhoda Yator who oversaw the opening of the court, heard cases on defilement, theft and traffic offenses to the relief of the residents.
Yator noted that the court had jurisdiction to hear civil matters on claims not exceeding Sh10million, with its gazettement allowing the hearing of all criminal matters including anti-corruption cases.
She noted that the court, that sits at the County Headquarters would save the residents long distances to Nyahururu, Nakuru and Naivasha in search of justice.
“The court staff are available to offer guidance on filing of cases. The accused persons have rights to be informed in a language they understand the case before them and be availed all documents in relation to the case,” said Yator.
“They also have a right to favourable bond terms and bails, but should ensure they are available to attend court sessions and not run away. We have this morning heard matters on defilement, theft, traffic and malicious damage to property that were availed from various police stations in the county,” she noted.
Yator was optimistic that the Ol Kalou High Court, whose construction was at an advanced stage would be opened soon to offer room for six more magistrate courts to add to the one court opened.
OlKalou Law Practicing Centre Chairperson Advocate Wangeci Chege, while calling on the residents to visit the court and benefit from free legal counsel running until Friday this week, said the advocates were determined to see that all persons received justice.
“We are here to educate our community that they have rights that have to be respected for harmonious living. Children, the elderly, the widows and everyone else must feel safe and free to live without fear,” noted Wangeci.
The court will be served by Ol Kalou, Mirangine and Ol Jororok police stations.
By Anne Sabuni
