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{
    "id": 590974,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/590974/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 40,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Ms.) Nyamunga",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 738,
        "legal_name": "Rose Nyamunga Ogendo",
        "slug": "rose-nyamunga-ogendo"
    },
    "content": "Hon. Speaker, you will realise that most people always avoid courts because of cost and the word justice. Judges or magistrates put most people off and as a result many cases go unheard. Women in villages suffer a lot because when most people hear the word judge or court even if they know they have a case, they opt out of such cases. So, the use of a local language, Kiswahili or English gives a lot of credibility to this court and we should support this Bill. On qualifications, my colleague has already said that most people are allergic to the word lawyer, judge or magistrate. I think we will do something so that we do away with the issue of advocates or lawyers. I am not saying that lawyers are not the right people. However, the experiences that people have had with lawyers taking them round and round in circles have made many Kenyans develop a very negative attitude towards most lawyers. I like the fact that any person has a right to lodge a case. We have very many cases, be it land issues or issues of succession. This includes issues of small pieces of land and properties here and there. So, this court will take care of anything apart from claims that may be affecting people at that level. Most of us know that there is an attempt to bring justice closer to the people. There is also an attempt by the Chief Justice to have an alternative justice system. So, this one will just strengthen that and it will give a lot of justice to our people at every level. The fact that anybody can amend their claim or even change it gives it the flexibility that is required. Some people go to court but they are not very sure on what they need. They change it in the process of the deliberations. If you go to regular courts, you will find that most people are even scared of saying what they do not want and they want another alternative. These local courts will give the people an opportunity to amend their cases or abandon them altogether if need be. I also want to say that there are very many people who are retired judges, magistrates and lawyers. I do not think there is anything that will stop them from taking up such responsibilities. It is better you serve people at that level than maybe sitting at home with a lot of knowledge that would be acceptable in such courts. If there are people who are retired and are interested in serving, it does not matter whether you are a former justice or whatever level of lawyer you maybe. So, I support the Bill. It is very timely. It will go a long way in offering justice to each and every person in this Republic. Thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}