The courts are not enemies of the people and the public should stop shying away from visiting them.
This is according to Mavoko Law Courts senior principal magistrate Babra Ojoo.
Ojoo spoke during the court's open day in Athi River on Friday. About 2,000 residents benefited from free legal services.
Ojoo said the open day was meant to sensitise the public on their rights and court operations.
The event was organised by Mavoko Law Courts in collaboration with court users’ committee members.
They included officials from; the Children's Department, probation, Kenya Prisons Services, Kenya Police Service, County Government of Machakos, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, educational institutions, charitable children institutions, Court Annex Mediation, Law Society of Kenya and National Legal Aid Service.
Ojoo told the public not to see the court as an enemy. She said the court’s first user is the‘mwananchi.’
She said the open day helped residents know their rights and duties while attending courts.
Ojoo was accompanied by her colleagues; Silas Kandie, Eunice Suter and D Kuto.
" Court has various departments like police, prison, children, probation, lawyers, and prosecutors. Officers from all these departments help us process cases in court,” Ojoo said.
“When one comes to court, it’s important to know that you will not only get the magistrate or judge. You will get prosecutors, DPP, police, probation, and Kenya Prison Services, among others."