Lamu, KENYA: Chief Justice David Maraga has warned Lamu residents against hiding or resolving child defilement cases at home.
Instead, the CJ has urged residents to have such cases promptly reported in order to allow for timely legal interventions and prosecution of the culprits.
Speaking in Mpeketoni on Monday,Maraga said the judiciary was encouraging people to try and resolve minor disputes at home but sharply added that child defilement cases were not to be part of what should be resolved at home.
Maraga insisted that all child defilement suspects must be charged and jailed if and when found guilty and therefore called on police in Lamu to be on high alert concerning the matter.
“As the judiciary,we are urging people to try and resolve issues at home,but I wish to however make it clear that child defilement cases are never to addressed or resolved at home but in a court of law. We need such culprits jailed,” said Maraga.
Maraga has also urged residents to observe peace ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
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The CJ however made it clear that the judiciary was more than ready to deal with any disputes before and after elections.
“I know politicians are coming to you seeking votes. Am urging politicians to preach peace in their campaigns. We don’t want a repeat of what happened in 2007 and 2008,” said Maraga.
