The Chief Magistrate in Busia, Edna Nyaloti, has raised concerns over a growing influence of brokers she says are infiltrating the local court system, warning that the integrity of justice is at risk.
In a letter addressed to the Chair of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Busia Branch, Nyaloti cites cases of individuals allegedly commercializing court processes, including surety and case withdrawals.
The magistrate has named two individuals, Dismas Osigwary and Maureen Ogola, who were discussed by the Court Users Committee (CUC).
Nyaloti says the committee resolved that Osigwary should no longer be allowed to stand surety after being accused of turning the bond process into a business, allegedly in collaboration with some law firms.
“One Michael Noah Wandera, who is suspected to be working with a law firm, was arrested for soliciting and receiving Ksh.10,000 from one Ann Maria Ajala with a promise that he would facilitate the withdrawal of a case before court No. 5,” the letter reads.
According to the letter, a court seal was also recovered from a law firm in Busia during investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“Of concern is that Maureen Ogola is threatening Judiciary staff with death,” the magistrate further notes.
Nyaloti wants the LSK to urgently convene a meeting with its members to address the matter, saying the malpractice is undermining justice delivery.
Further, she says the Busia Law Courts are also handling integrity and disciplinary cases involving their staff.
The letter was copied to senior judicial officers, including the Presiding Judge in Busia, the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, and the LSK national leadership.
