A high number of family and land disputes that are usually reported within Langas estate will now be getting quicker solutions.
This is after Baraza la Uwiano (Maridhiano) opened an office at Uzima Stage formerly known as Kona Mbaya.
The office will be the organization’s centre of the Alternative Justice System (AJS) in the area.
Joseph Mwaura, the Coordinator of the Baraza la Maridhiano – Eldoret chapter, says they picked Uzima Stage for its operations because of the high population within Langas estate.
Mwaura encouraged the locals to make use of the centre, instead of going to court whenever there are normal family disputes.
“We thought it good to open the office closer to people – in most cases, people go to court yet it is very expensive to file a case and sustain it. But we have an opportunity to handle civil issues here,” Mwaura said.
The law limits AJS centres to only handle civil cases, with criminal cases remaining the mandate of the courts and the police.
“AJS does not convict anyone – but provides a platform for two worrying parties to agree amicably. Thorough AJS our country will start healing,” noted Mwaura.
Land conflicts in Langas
Pioneer Location Chief who attended the event Phillip Chemwok noted that the centre will help reduce the number of land cases that locals usually file in courts that could easily be solved through the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Chemwok says with a huge part of Langas lacking title deeds, there has been a high number of land conflicts.
“We expect the centre will help as those involved in the Alternative Justice System (AJS) have gone through training and have been taught on mediation issues,” said the area chief.
Dr Tim Bunke, the program coordinator of Civil Peace Service Kenya welcomed the opening of the Baraza la Uwiano (Maridhiano) centre saying it will help in enhancing peace and cohesion in the community.
“This will help a lot. In the past, people had to go through the police and courts but the process usually takes a long. If it was a sensitive issue and the courts’ delay in making a determination, it makes the situation worse,” Dr Bunke said.
The Constitution of Kenya, 2010, envisions a critical role for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as traditional dispute resolution mechanisms.
Article 48 of the constitution guarantees the right to access justice and Article 159(2) recognizes the use of alternative justice systems to resolve disputes.
