Marigat Law Courts to End ‘Kangaroo’ Justice in Baringo South.
By Tom Chepsoi
For too long, victims of defilement and rape in Baringo South have faced an agonizing uphill task in their quest for justice.
The nearest judicial services in Kabarnet or Nakuru were often out of reach, turning justice into an unaffordable pursuit for those who needed it.
The entire Baringo South constituency has been without a formal court of law, pushing many victims into the regrettable embrace of “kangaroo courts.” Under the shade of trees, elders dispensed their own brand of justice, often imposing meager fines in the form of livestock on the accused.
This informal system, while seemingly offering a quick resolution, came at the expense of deeply traumatized victims and alarmingly contributed to a surge in defilement and rape cases across the region.
However, a significant shift is underway. The Judiciary, in collaboration with the office of area MP Charles Kamuren, has answered the urgent call for accessible justice. Infrastructure development for the Marigat Law Courts has begun, a move poised to bring formal judicial services closer to victims of gender-based violence.
Speaking in Marigat, MP Charles Kamuren declared that “long gone are the days of kangaroo courts in solving cases of defilement.” He assured victims that those affected would finally have a legitimate avenue to seek justice.
The initiative has been warmly welcomed by religious leaders in the area, who described it as “long overdue.” They also appealed to the Judiciary to consider establishing a Kadhi’s Court to ensure the Muslim community in Baringo South also get equitable access to justice.
