Elders in Isiolo have sought State and non-State actors to offer a helping hand to enable them fully actualize the alternative justice system (AJS).

Abdulahi Gonjobe, the chairperson of Isiolo Council of Elders said that AJS cases are mostly done under a tree where there are no seats. 

Speaking during a meeting on May 15, 2024 in Isiolo, the elders cited record keeping as a major challenge that the elders were facing since most of them were illiterate.

Gonjobe said that an increase in demand for the AJS by Isiolo residents prompted them to seek assistance from Chief Justice Martha Koome.

The chief justice they said, has promised to visit Isiolo in the coming months to listen to their grievances which they said included having a space where elders can have security while listening to cases.

The implementers of AJS have also come up with an action plan, a document they said would help to streamline activities and explain the role of AJS.

Ahmed Set, who is the treasurer National Council of Elders thanked area residents for embracing the court annex committees, which he said are working closely with the Isiolo Law Courts and the police.

Many disputes he said have been solved through the mechanism, adding that it has proved to be very effective in solving family and land related disputes in the community.

According to Set, Isiolo County will be among the top ten counties in the country to launch AJS, an action plan after Mandera, Narok, Kajiado and others have set a precedence.

Meanwhile, Bishop Stephen Kalunyu explained that they were facing challenges of women’s inclusivity and he admitted that many communities in Isiolo have not yet fully accepted women in the circles of implementing justice.

Kalunyu said that there was a need to educate the public on the role of AJS so that many can understand and embrace it instead of always relying on the court system which sometimes is tedious and time-consuming.

Mwenda Nchebere was one of the residents who felt that the AJS system was very effective and transparent in delivering justice. 

At the same time, Rev. Jesse Mwiti said that most people may shy away from trusting elders with their cases because of fear of not getting  justice.

He however, urged them to avoid relying on negative perceptions and rely on existing evidence that shows elders do help in judging cases correctly. 

Story by George Kobia