Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has encouraged Kenyan Courts to use environmental protection penalties instead of prison terms.
Gachagua stated at the conclusion of the third symposium on Greening Judiciaries in Africa that the majority of petty criminals are unable to pay the penalties levied on them.
“Diverse research shows that detentions and prisons in most African countries hold more than thrice their capacity. In others, more than half of the detainees are petty offenders. Petty offences are punishable by a fine, jail term or both. Most of these people are hustlers- in other words, they may not raise the fines,” he said.
Gachagua stated that Kenya is dedicated to environmental justice while mentioning his experience in court, detention, and prosecution.
“We rely on the judiciary to issue precedent-setting decisions.” Such decisions will also influence new laws or revisions to existing laws for the advantage of the people,” Gachagua said.
He also encouraged the people to engage in the planned climate change Act amendments.
