Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has called for justice to be made more accessible to the poor, saying the justice system must protect widows, orphans and other vulnerable groups.
Speaking on Friday during the Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) Open Day at Machakos Law Courts to mark 10 years of AJS, Sonko said justice should not be a privilege for the rich.
"Justice is about human dignity, fairness and protecting those who cannot protect themselves," Sonko said.
The event, themed Access to Justice, Protection of the Vulnerable and Service to Humanity, was hosted by Machakos High Court Presiding Judge Lady Justice Esther Maina and Environment and Land Court Presiding Judge Lady Justice Ann Koross. Also present was Justice J.N. Kuiyioni, Chairperson of the AJS Committee.
Sonko, who was the keynote speaker, said Article 159(2)(c) of the Constitution recognises alternative forms of dispute resolution, which offer Kenyans a chance to resolve disputes affordably and closer to their communities.
On land and public property
The former governor cited several cases in which he has participated to protect public land and vulnerable families, including the attempted grabbing of Kamukunji Secondary School land and the Loresho water reservoir dispute.
He said public land must be protected for the benefit of the people. He declined to discuss merits of cases he said are still pending before the Supreme Court.
Sinai victims and vulnerable children
Sonko said he stood with victims of the 2011 Sinai fire tragedy that claimed over 100 lives and continues to support the families as they pursue justice.
He shared stories of children he said he has supported through the Sonko Rescue Team, including the Osinya brothers who lost their mother in the 2014 Likoni church attack, Baby Scandy Chelagat from Kericho who underwent cancer surgery in India, and Judy Wanjau whom he supported from secondary school to PhD level.
"They are not just beneficiaries. They are my own children. They are part of my family," he said.
Gender-based violence
Sonko condemned gender-based violence, citing cases including that of Feruz Hussein and allegations against a suspect in the Coast region, and called for thorough investigations.
He warned that AJS should never be used to shield perpetrators of serious crimes.
"AJS must never become a shield for impunity. Serious criminal offences must never be improperly diverted into informal settlements that silence victims," he said.
Praise for Judiciary
Sonko lauded Chief Justice Martha Koome for championing virtual court hearings, saying they have reduced costs for ordinary Kenyans.
"Today, a poor farmer in Kithyokoni, Machakos, can attend court remotely, where permitted, without incurring heavy travel expenses," he said.
He called for stronger partnerships between the Judiciary, lawyers, civil society and humanitarian organisations and urged advocates to offer pro bono services.
"No Kenyan should remain in prison, lose their property or abandon a legitimate claim simply because they are too poor to afford legal representation," he said.
Sonko said political positions are temporary but touching lives remains the greatest legacy.
"Serving humanity is serving God," he said.
