Mbita court has appealed to the family of the slain Kennedy Onyango to consider the alternative dispute resolution mechanism in solving their difference.
The 12-year-old boy is alleged to have been shot dead during anti-government protests in Ongata Rongai in Kajiado County.
His interment has been dogged with controversies as their parents have differed on the place of burial.
The parents Denis Okinyi and Jocinter Anyango have not agreed on the place to bury their son. The two once lived together but separated.
Okinyi wants the boy to be buried at his home in Kisaku village in Kaksingri West Location in the Suba South constituency while Anyango wants him buried in Kamasengre in the Suba North constituency.
It is against the backdrop that Mbita Principal Magistrate Nicodemus Moseti asked the family to iron out their differences outside the court.
The family which appeared in court on Wednesday was asked to talk and agree on the suitable place where they will bury their son. The boy was supposed to be buried on July 5, 2024.
The parties will have to agree before the matter to register with the deputy register of the mediation in Homa Bay.
Moseti said the court process will take time and will further delay the burial procedure.
“The court promotes the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to address issues. It therefore appeals to the parties involved to explore the process,” Moseti said.
Lawyers Sam Owino and Edmond Kobil who represented Okinyi said they are going to negotiate this Thursday with Anyango. Lawyer Humphrey Obach is representing Anyango.
Obach said they would meet and have a talk with Owino about the negotiation before this Friday.
“We’re going to sit and agree with the other party so that we can go the mediation way. Let’s meet tomorrow (Thursday) and talk about it so that we can take the shortest time possible,” Owino said.
Earlier, both parties agreed to transfer the body to transfer the body to Rosewood Mortuary in Rongo for perseveration until the matter is addressed.
Currently, the body is at Suba sub-county hospital. The transfer of the body will be done under the watch of the police.
During the court session, security was reinforced when both parents were accompanied by other family members.
Police had to restrain them not to get access to the courtroom.