Chief Justice Martha Koome has ordered mandatory representation for all suspects arraigned for Murder and violence.
“It is hereby directed that every person accused of Robbery with Violence must be provided with legal representation as a matter of right as provided in the Constitution,” Koome said.
The directive was issued after reports of robbery with violent suspects were snubbed by state lawyers, who were only allocated to murder suspects.
The right to legal representation is entitled to all accused persons including those charged with capital offenses.
"However, the practice has been that in regard to capital offences, only those charged with murder often receive legal representation funded by the State. Judges and Judicial Officers are hereby urged to engage their respective Court User Committees to innovate, establish and activate mechanisms to ensure that this constitutional imperative is observed."
*This article was written by Gerald Gekara for Uzalendo News. Email: uzalendonews24@gmail.com to submit your story.
