Presiding High Court judge in Eldoret has angrily complained over what he terned as an irritating habit by lawyers delaying court cases through absentism.
Justice Reuben Nyakundi said the absentism by lawyers during court cases was now a major problem that must be resolved for proper flow of the dispensation of justice.
“We can not go on this way because this habit of lawyers failing to attend to court without giving reasons is not acceptable”, said Nyakundi.
He said the lawyers were always issued with course lists for all cases on daily basis but still most of them don’t attend court despite knowing the court schedule in advance.
“We even plan with them on date and time but still many of them still don’t turn up and they even don’t communicate”, said Justice Nyakundi.
Nyakundi expressed his anger after calling out several cases for hearing only to learn that lawyers involved were not present.
He called out some of the lawyers on the virtual system but there was no response forcing him to set aside the case files.
State Counsel Mark Mugun agreed with the judge saying the lawyers were emberassing the judicial system and had to be reprimanded.
“The habit is quite annoying and the lawyers must be called out. We have journalists here who should writte about the habit so that the lawyers know their mandate as court officers”, said Mugun.
Mugun asked the lawyers in the region must respect the court process and help in ensuring courts operate smoothly.
Justice Nyakundi said delivery of justice was a collective responsibility of all stakeholders in the judiciary system including the lawyers.
“We are all here to serve the public and we must do so that Kenyans can enjoy better access to justice”, said Nyakundi.
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