Siaya Courts to prioritise cases involving children

Presiding Judge of Siaya High Court Justice David Kemei says courts sitting in Siaya, Bondo, Ukwala and Madiany are carrying out an exercise to ensure that all children’s cases are expeditiously heard and concluded.

He added that since children are among the vulnerable members of the society, the Judiciary deemed it fit that their cases be given prominence.

“This is to ensure children access justice in an expeditious manner,” said Justice Kemei.

Speaking during the close of the children’s justice month in Siaya town, Justice Kemei observed that cases of children’s rights violation have been on the rise in Siaya County hence the backlog in some of their courts.

“Most of our children are suffering. We have many SGBV cases and most cases, especially in criminal cases appeal emanate from these type of offences,” he added. 

The Judge further stated that the Judiciary is contemplating holding sensitization forums for members of the public to understand children rights and also help in reducing those cases.

He was flanked by the Siaya Law Court Chief Magistrate Margaret Wambani who reiterated that they have endeavored to hear cases involving children on a priority basis with privacy of the minors guaranteed,

She disclosed that this has enabled them to tremendously reduce the gender based violence cases including defilement and other children rights violations matters within their courts.