No 'Maslah' Kangaroo courts for sexual offences – Garissa leaders

Calls to sensitise the Somali community on the need to limit the use of 'Maslah' dominated speeches during the International Women’s Day in festivities in Garissa County Friday.

Maslah is a traditional dispute resolution mechanism common among the Somali community in North Eastern.

Elders play mediator and the accused, if found guilty, is ordered to pay the complainant in cash or material form.

During Women's Day celebrations at Saka Primary School in Balambala subcounty, several speakers acknowledged that the system of justice has been used to deny victims their rights with women being the biggest victims.

Garissa County Assembly chair Gender, Youth and Sports committee Zamzam Mohamed said going forward, it's important that government officials, security personnel and all the other stakeholders make sure that issues to do with rape and defilement are not subjected to Maslah.

She said it is regrettable to see parents and guardians being on the forefront to subject victims who have been sexually abused to Maslah and called on the authorities to act firmly against such individuals.

“Issues to do with defilement and rape continue to be reported every day in our community. So as we celebrate this day, let us make sure that we safeguard the interest of our girls and children in our society by ensuring  those who subject them to these beastly acts face the full force of the law,” she said.

Zamzam further called for community sensitisation saying many parents especially those in the remote areas are still not aware of where to go when such things happen to their young ones.

On his part, Garissa deputy speaker Mustapha Abdirashid challenged non governmental organizations to pool resources with the aim of empowering young girls from the region whom he acknowledged are still faced with a myriad of challenges.

Garissa Gender, Youth and Sports Executive Hawa Abdi called on all stakeholders to reaffirm their  commitment to gender equality and protection of women rights.

"As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us stand together in solidarity, support one another and champion the rights of women and girls everywhere. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all,” she said.

She added: “Let us challenge gender stereotypes and break down barriers that hold girls and women back. Let us create a world where every girl and woman can thrive, fulfill her potential and contribute her talents to society," she said.

On Wednesday, Mercy Gikunda, a state council from the office of the Attorney General while speaking in Garissa said there are instances where the Maslah system has been used to settle cases such as defilement, murder and rape.s

She said they intend to conduct a training on Alternative Justice System in April to educate the community on the limits of Maslah and other alternative forms of justice.