Murang’a prison inmates air their grievances

Murang’a, May Wednesday 31, 2023

KNA by Anita Omwenga/ Celestine Mugambi(Intern)

A section of remandees in Murang’a GK prison have decried excessive delay in conclusion of their cases before courts.

The remandees who presented their grievances before judicial officials Tuesday, claimed that unwarranted delay of their cases had led to congestion of the correctional facility.

They told the team of judges and magistrates led by Murang’a High Court Judge James Wakiaga during a visit to the facility that many of the time they appear for case hearing, they are postponed on flimsy grounds.

One of the inmates, Festus Wachira, observed that the moment they appear for case hearings, they are told their advocates were absent.

“It’s unfortunate our cases are delayed over some petty claims. We also blame the probation department for failing to present the required reports on time,” Wachira told the court officials.

He continued, “The prison is currently facing congestion where a room with capacity to hold 100 people has a current population of 152 inmates.”

“We are fearing for our lives since the congestion in this prison can lead to the spread of infectious diseases,” he said, adding that they are requesting the court to conclude cases of petty offenders and release them to tackle the problem of congestion.

A woman remandee, Jane Wangui cited the main challenge facing the female inmates as mental health issues. 

 “We are constantly thinking about our kids that we left at home with no parental care. We are pleading with Judges and the Magistrates to be more considerate on the sentences they pass over women,” said Wangui.

Responding to these grievances, Justice James Wakiaga promised that they will hasten the review on the cases that have been appealed and the conclusion of some of the pending cases.

He added that they would push the advocates to ensure they avail themselves in court and probation officers to present the pending reports. 

He also stated that they would ensure that the alternative dispute resolutions, will be put into more consideration in the future minor cases.

Justice Wakiaga also added that they will be visiting the inmates once per month to continue engaging them concerning their wellbeing.

The probation officer in Kangema, Damaris Malenga, promised that they will hasten the processing of the probation reports and that they are in the process of completing 94 probation reports.

During the visit, an interactive session was held between the judicial officers and the remandees, wherein the remandees presented their grievances and the staff listened and engaged with them.

This civil engagement is in line with the Judiciary's goal to encourage Social Transformation through Access to Justice.

Courtesy ; K. N. A