- According to Jane Odiya, the chairperson of LSK Kiambu, most of the disputes in Kiambu county oscillate around pieces of land, between family members.
- He said that it is time people gained confidence in the justice system and they have the pro bono services being offered.
The Law Society of Kenya Kiambu county chapter is holding a legal week at the Kiambu law courts.
The exercise is meant to encourage the public to seek free legal advice.
This year's legal awareness week is dubbed Kenya's electoral reforms: building confidence for the future.
According to the chairperson of LSK Kiambu Jane Odiya, most of the disputes in the county oscillate around land, between family members.
"We encourage members of the public to come forward if you have issues of land. There is a law that governs that yet many don't know and that is why we are here to offer our free service to educate and help in seeking justice," Odiya said.
She said there is a legal process in land succession matters where families or parties can pursue without fighting each other.
"Generally the justice system is towards the alternative dispute resolution mechanism. Kiambu people should know there is a mediation section in the Kiambu law courts and there are people who have been appointed to be court-annexed mediators to solve matters outside court processes."
Odiya said most people do not know they have a right to land left by their grandfathers and others do not know they have a right out of an abusive union.
Gathii Irungu, LSK disciplinary committee member said the public should take the opportunity and meet the advocates offering free help as the guidance will help one pursue justice in a proper way.
He said it is time people gained confidence in the justice system and they have the pro bono services being offered.
"Some of us believe that legal education should start at the primary level as people have a right to know what is happening, they can know about their rights and interests because an aware person is more useful to the country," Gathii said.
Senior principal magistrate Sambu Kibet officially opened the initiative saying this is a gift back to the society and an obligation to serve the people.
"In the legal awareness week, even magistrates, judges and the police will be involved in giving back to society and educating on the processes that one should pass while seeking justice. The free service will run for a week and the public should come forward and enquire on the various issues they want," Sambu said.
Stephen Kioko, a resident said he has been relieved after getting free advice on a domestic violence case that he has been pursuing in court but has never gotten legal aid due to being shy of the legal fees required.
According to the lawyers, people fear asking for help and that is why legal awareness week is put for people to interact with them.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)