Rangwe residents demand local court for easier access to justice

Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo dances with residents at Pap Kalango in Rangwe. [Okumu Modachi, Standard]

Residents of Rangwe in Homa Bay have called for the establishment of a local court to alleviate the need to seek judicial services in neighbouring sub-counties.

 Dr Lilian Gogo, MP for Rangwe Constituency, has been at the forefront of this initiative, highlighting the benefits of such a development for ease of access to justice and crime deterrence.

After public forums, a letter was submitted to Dr Gogo to present to  Chief Justice Martha Koome. Dr Gogo expressed optimism about the prospect of a new court, following a needs assessment conducted by judicial officers.

“Some judicial officers have been here to conduct needs assessments. We are hoping the process will be fast-tracked to enable residents to get justice,” stated Dr Gogo.

She further noted that public participation has indicated a strong desire for a court in Rangwe, which would also encourage the establishment of other institutions, including banks.

“The court in Rangwe will improve security and attract the establishment of a substantive bank,” she added.

Currently, residents of various constituencies within Homa Bay face challenges in accessing justice due to the distances involved in travelling to court sessions.

The county has courts in Homa Bay Town, Ndhiwa, Oyugis, and Mbita, but this leaves many, including those from Kabondo Kasipul, Suba South, Karachuonyo, and Rangwe, without nearby judicial services.

Moses Lilan, Homa Bay County Commissioner, confirmed the receipt of a request from residents to identify a suitable location for a court in Rangwe.

“A team of land officials will be sent to seek public opinion about the establishment of a law court. Court is one of the institutions that are required in Rangwe,” said Lilan.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has been actively working to increase access to judicial services, particularly in remote areas. This includes the planned construction of a court in Masalani Township, Ijara Constituency, Garissa County. The Masalani Magistrate’s Court, to be overseen by the Garissa High Court, was recently gazetted by CJ Koome.

Ijara MP Abdi Ali Abdi welcomed the news, citing the growing population, distance to the nearest court, and transportation difficulties as key factors in his advocacy for the court’s establishment.

“The establishment of the Masalani Magistrates Court was necessitated by the daily growing population of my constituency, the long distance to the nearest court, and the poor transport network,” Abdi explained.

In June last year, Abdi wrote to the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, detailing the hardships faced by his constituents in accessing court services, with the nearest being 300 kilometres away in Garissa. The challenges of distance and transportation have been significant barriers for the community.