Justice is a fundamental principle of any civilised society. It ensures that everyone is treated fairly and equally, regardless of their social status, wealth or power.
However, in today's world, it seems increasingly difficult to find justice, particularly for those who are less fortunate and lack the resources to pursue legal action.
Lawyer Brian Ohaing has famously stated that, "Justice is bought by the highest bidder," highlighting the unfortunate reality that justice can often be influenced by wealth and power.
But despite these challenges, there is hope that by being persistent, we can still achieve justice, just like the widow in the parable of the unjust judge.
Social media has become a powerful tool for individuals and groups to advocate justice. Hashtags such as #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd and #MeToo have sparked global movements, drawing attention to systemic injustices and holding those in power accountable.
These digital campaigns have been particularly effective in amplifying the voices of marginalised communities, whose experiences have been historically overlooked or dismissed.
However, social media alone is not enough to ensure justice. The legal system must also be held accountable, and this requires persistence and continued pressure from advocates and activists.
In Kenya, many people lack access to legal resources, making it difficult to seek justice for injustices they may have experienced. The legal system is often slow, bureaucratic and expensive, leaving the less fortunate at a disadvantage.
The parable of the widow and the unjust judge illustrates this point well. In the story, a widow seeks justice from an unjust judge who refuses to hear her case.
She persistently pleads her case, eventually wearing down the judge and securing her justice. This story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we must continue to advocate justice and hold those in power accountable.
While the pursuit of justice can be challenging, it is a fundamental aspect of a fair and equitable society. We must continue to use all available tools, including social media, legal action and persistent advocacy, to hold those in power accountable and ensure that justice is fairly administered.
As Brian Ohaing has noted, justice should not be bought by the highest bidder but rather should be available to all, regardless of their social status or wealth. By being persistent, we can make progress towards a more just and equal world.
