By Kelly Mumbi
In a significant move to bridge the gap between the judicial system and inmates, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) joined the Nyeri Court of Appeal judges for a visit to Embu Maximum Prison.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) was led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Mr. Solomon Naulikha, Senior Prosecution Counsel Ms. Scolastica Nyika, and Nyeri Court of Appeal judges led by Hon. Lady Justice Wanjiru Karanja.
Ms. Nyika, who represented the Lower Eastern Regional Coordinator, Mr. Daniel Karuri, at this event, presented a memorandum on judicial matters to the judges.
However, the ODPP brought to the bench’s attention a number of service delivery challenges related to the operation of the Appeal Court.
In addition, ODPP further highlighted concerns about cases filed at the Court of Appeal taking a long time to be issued with mention and hearing dates.
“Mr. Solomon and Ms. Nyika urged the Court of Appeal Judges to consider rotational sittings at Embu and the proposed gazettement of the station as a Court of Appeal station,” stated ODPP.
The ODPP also recommended that, “the cause list include the High Court station from which the appeal originated from to aid in the tracking of appeals filed or finalized.”
Furthermore, the ODPP emphasized the need for improved communication with appellants regarding the withdrawal of their appeals to ensure better access to justice.
Earlier, the ODPP, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Solomon (Nyeri) Naulikha, and Senior Prosecution Counsel, Ms. Scolastica Nyika (Embu), took part in a bar bench meeting with the Court of Appeal Judges held at Embu Law Court.
The inmates who were drawn from Embu Maximum and Women’s Prison presented their memoranda to the judges for response.