Mbita: The Senate Justice and Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee has established that the shortage of magistrates in Mbita law courts has delayed the conclusion of a case in which a nine-year-old girl was allegedly impregnated by her paternal uncle four years ago. The committee, led by Chairperson Hilary Sigei, made a fact-finding visit to the court and observed a high caseload for the local magistrate.

According to Kenya News Agency, committee member Catherine Muma noted that an anonymous whistleblower raised concerns about the prolonged case proceedings and the intimidation faced by the girl’s mother from the accused. The incident, which allegedly took place in Kigoto village in Suba South Sub-County in 2021, led to the arrest of the suspect, who was arraigned in Mbita Law Court. However, the case remains unresolved.

Muma highlighted that after the suspect’s release from police custody, he has reportedly been intimidating the girl’s mother. The Senator brought the issue to the Senate’s attention, prompting the committee to verify the whistleblower’s claims. ‘We spoke to all stakeholders involved in the case and confirmed the whistleblower’s information was accurate,’ Muma stated.

The committee emphasized the necessity for intervention by both the National Government and the county government to prevent similar occurrences. Sigei pointed out that their investigation revealed systemic issues within the Judiciary, particularly the shortage of magistrates, as a significant factor in the case’s delay. ‘The court has one magistrate, yet the cases are too many,’ Sigei remarked, suggesting that recommendations would be made to address these challenges.

Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo added that the case is still active. He noted that the girl, now 13 years old, successfully delivered and is currently being accommodated in a safe space. ‘We hope our recommendations will save the situation,’ Sigei expressed.