LANG’ATA
About Lang’ata Prison Justice Center
Lang’ata Women Prison Justice Centre was launched on the 22nd of March, 2016 after a one-week training at Lang’ata from the 14th to 22nd of March 2016. 35 inmates comprising of those on long sentences, pretrial detainees charged with capital offences as well as the condemned and 5 prison constables were effectively trained. The topics covered included Paralegalism; Introduction to Human Rights; Bill of Rights (Chapter 4 of Constitution); Criminal Procedure Code Chapter 75 Laws of Kenya (Powers of Court, Provisions relating to all Criminal investigations, Mode of taking and recording Evidence in Trials, Procedures in Trials before a Subordinate Court and High Court, Sentences and Executions and Appeals); Self-representation (Criminal Approach); Power of Mercy Act; The Prisons Act and Community Service Order.
The trained inmates and warders have been able to offer free legal aid services to other inmates and more than 5,000 inmates have since been released. The benefits accruing from the establishment and training of prison justice centres extend beyond individual cases to include general communal and societal benefits such as speedy processing of cases; fair and impartial trials; and the reduction of prison populations while ensuring that justice is fair and accessible.
The trained inmates and warders have been able to offer free legal aid services to other inmates and more than 5,000 inmates have since been released. The benefits accruing from the establishment and training of prison justice centres extend beyond individual cases to include general communal and societal benefits such as speedy processing of cases; fair and impartial trials; and the reduction of prison populations while ensuring that justice is fair and accessible.
Brief background of the Organization
Vihiga Community Justice Centre also known as Ebusiratsi Welfare and Development Association (EWADA) is a Community based organization located in Vihiga County. The organization brings together committed individuals from various civil society organizations, with various skills and experiences from diverse backgrounds.
It was registered as a Community Based Organization under section 10 of the societies act at the registrar of societies attorney general’s office on 8th July 2009.
The organization was formed as a result of the need to have well-informed and organized citizens and for equipping citizens with skills to effectively participate and engage in Human rights issues, governance and access to justice.
The organization has participated in many key activities and has been a key factor in promoting civic knowledge and enhancing good governance. It has a secretariat that runs the day-to-day activities and reports to the Management Board. The organization has established has extensive networks Vihiga county.