Tag: Nakuru Law Courts

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Suspects in Mawanga killings to remain in custody for 14 more days

The six suspects in the Mawanga killings in Nakuru will remain in custody for 14 more days.

This is after prosecution requested for more time to complete investigation.

Magistrate Charles Ndegwa granted the orders.

“I hereby order that the 6 suspects be detained for two more weeks awaiting further investigation” he ruled.

The six were arrested in connection to the killings witnessed in Mawanga area of Nakuru that prompted Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr.Fred Matiang’i to visit the area.

During the visit, Matiang’i declared ruthless war on criminal gangs in Nakuru.

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CJ Maraga says E-Filing system the way to go

Chief Justice David Maraga has strongly lauded the online case filing system (e-filing) in the country.

Speaking in Nakuru on Friday during the official opening of the new established Nakuru Law Courts Building, Maraga noted that though there are challenges among them funding the system is the way to go.

He added that the e-filing system will aid in Judiciary’s quest for modernization in a bid to enhance efficiency in service delivery.

“The e-filing systems is doing well except for few challenges which are being addressed. This is the way to go and as Judiciary we are not going back’ said Maraga.

Maraga who is also the President of the Supreme Court reiterated that an electronic file is the way to go to address loss of files, exhibits, and documents from the file.

He narrated how two years ago there was a case file where a judgment had been entered for more than a billion shillings and that judgment went missing and the lawyers documents also went missing.

The CJ revealing that fortunately the judge handling had typed the information in a computer and that saved the situation leading to prosecution process.

While lauding the Law Society of Kenya for supporting the reforms in the Judiciary, Maraga urged Kenyans to embrace technology at hand.

The e-filing system which was launched on July 1 seeks to increase efficiency in handling of cases.

The Magnificent Nakuru Law Courts Building will host among others the office of ODP, Prison, probation and police.

The building has 8 courtrooms and 12 chambers, Advocates Lounge, Magistrate and Judges Lounge.

The CJ however stating that, “We should seek sufficient funds towards housing with features safeguarding dignity of the police and prison cells and in future ensure there is also a lactating room for our young mothers.

“We want to encourage Ministry of health appeal for mothers to breastfeed under dignified place” he said.

The new Nakuru Law Courts building is one of the World Bank funded projects across the country through the Judiciary performance improvement project which  has continued to improve courts Infrastructure across the country.

The Supreme Court President also revealing that there will be a High Court in each of the 47 counties with only Samburu,Wajir and Elgeyo Marakwet being the only counties no High court stations but plans are underway.

In addition, all the 290 sub counties will each have a Magistrate’s court.

The official opening of the new established Nakuru Law Courts building was also attended by Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, Nominated MP Gideon Keter, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi, Nakuru High Court Presiding Judge  Prof.Joel Ngugi, Riftvalley LSK members led by President Ochang’ Achigo,Nakuru County Commissioner Erastus Mbui,Judiciary  among others.

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Sudi brands himself ‘peace ambassador’

Kapseret Lawmaker Oscar Sudi has branded himself a peace ambassador.

Speaking at the Nakuru Law courts after reinstatement of his security orders were issued,Sudi stated that he is is a law abiding citizen.

He noted that the court had restricted him from making public statements and he abided.

While branding himself a peace ambassador,the Lawmaker cited an incident in which he inteverned to restore peace between warring Pokot and Marakwet communities.

“I want to state here that I am a law abiding citizen.But if you check history you will realize that I also advocate for peace like sometime back in the issue of Pokot and Marakwet” he said.

The MP however pointing an accusing finger at police on how they have been going about their duties.

He called on Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to ensure he disepenses his duties without taking sides and allowing officers to be misused.

The Kapseret Lawmaker had petitioned to have his security reinstated citing that his life was in danger.

Senior Resident Magistrate Isaac Orenge in his Wednesday ruling ordered the Inspector General of Police to reinstate the  Lawmaker’s security as withdrawal was a violation of the law.

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St.Mary’s Hospitals lost equipment worth Millions during management change ,court told

St Mary’s Mission Hospitals CEO Gabriel Njue on Wednesday told the court the institution lost equipment worth over Sh 40 million during the transitional period; before the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi took over the hospital management.

Njue while giving his evidence in a case where three senior hospital management officers have been charged with theft of hospital equipment said that before they took over the hospital there was vandalism and theft in a bid to destabilize operations at the facility.

It is alleged that the hospital wards and laboratory equipment were vandalized and stolen by a section of staff and locals allegedly allied to American priest Bill Fryda.

He said only 57 assorted theatre and laboratory equipment valued at Sh 13,283,200 were recovered by the police adding that some equipment like anesthesia machines, dialysis machines and theatre monitors and surgical sets are still missing.

“Only 57 assorted theatre and laboratory equipment valued at Sh 13,283,200 were recovered by the police adding that some equipment like anesthesia machines, dialysis machines and theatre monitors and surgical sets are still missing” he said.

According to him, the theft was an inside job adding that he was told by a senior administration police officer guarding the hospital that they never stopped the theft since there was an order from the hospital management to remove the equipment from the hospital.

Criminal charges had been preferred against the hospital staff three months after the hospital went through a violent transition of management.

The multi billion shillings hospital has been at the center of controversy over its ownership between the priest and the nuns.

The hospital administrator Seth Manera, two doctors Lemayan and Peter Kibet and businessman Peter Njenga are accused of looting medical equipment from the Elementaita hospital before the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi took over the management of the facility from the American Missionary Dr William Charles Fryda.

PHOTO/Nakuru famous:Nakuru Law courts.

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Falsely accused Human Rights Defender acquitted

It was joy and jubilation at Nakuru Law Courts after a case against a Human Rights Defender that has been going on since 2013 finally came to a conclusion.

Bernard Macharia with lawyer and friends celebrate the acquittal
Bernard Macharia with lawyer and friends celebrate the acquittal

Bernard Macharia a Human Rights defender based in Naivasha but operating in the entire Nakuru County was first arrested 23rd August 2013. His first appearance in court was 3 days later where he was charged with being in possession of an imitation fire arm.

Deep down, Bernard knew he was innocent. Those who knew him closely knew he was innocent but there was not much he could do. Justice had to follow its course.

For over four years, Bernard Macharia has lived with the case hanging over him like the sword of Damocles. The tag of a criminal has followed him for all these years but thanks to a supportyive family, friends and colleagues, he has been able to live with the stigma.

Bernard’s problems started when way back in 2013, he stood firm against what he felt was abuse of rights against a fellow Kenyan. Isaac Nderitu had been assaulted by his area Chief in Kabatini at his work place and Bernard had been one of the witnesses. Apparently, Isaac used to run a bicycle repair business and a video show and the area chief used to collect Kshs. 200 every week. On this occasion, Isaac had refused to part with the 200 bob.

“Being a Human Rights Defender, I felt that Isaac’s rights were being abused and I took it upon myself to have action taken against the Chief,” explains Bernard.

But before long, Bernard says he was summoned by the then OCS at Bahati Police Station and warned to drop the case against the chief. He was also warned that unless the case was dropped, trampled up charges would be brought against him.

That was how Bernard was later to find himself falsely accused of being in possession of an imitation firearm and two rounds of ammunition.

While determining the case in favour of Bernard Macharia, Senior Resident Magistrate Judycastro Nzambi Nduku quoted inconsistencies in the prosecution. She said that the prosecution had failed to prove their case. The prosecution could not explain why only one of the two adults that were at the scene was arrested, how they had discovered that there was a gun, how they had found the gun in a pit latrine at night and finally could not produce the inventory.

“After listening to my defense, the court realized there was a grudge between me and the then OCS at Bahati who has been charged with abuse of office. Am now free after all charges that were falsely brought against me,” says Bernard.

Macharia has been represented in the case by Human Rights Lawyer Mbugua Muriithi from National Council for Human Rights Defense (NCHRD-Kenya). The NHCRD-Kenya was also responsible for paying his bail amounting to Kshs. 500,000.

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