Administration
Malaba Law court Administrator Dismas Opili has warned people with cases to be wary of brokers who operated within precincts of courts with ill schemes of fleecing them off their cash.
Addressing residents of Amagoro during a site handover for the construction of a modern market that will cost Sh50million, Opili said those involved in the syndicate were not officers of the court but brokers.
“They start from the gate with sweet language that they are ready to assist those who might be having challenges in pursuing their cases, and we know them,” he said. “It’s true there is corruption in courts and brokers are very many not only in Amagoro but also in Busia and Bungoma. People with cases should ensure they come to court to avoid subjecting themselves to brokers who demand over Sh20,000 ‘to assist’,” he added.
The administrator said there was no cash payment these days, noting that people are given invoices to pay either through the bank or Mpesa, and receipts are generated. Opili said one of the residents had stated that there was no court in the area yet there was an operational Malaba court, domiciled in the former District Commissioner’s offices.
He lauded former Malaba Central Member of the County Assembly Ishmael Orodi for initiating the purchase of land at Achunet near Malaba town for the construction of Malaba Law court, adding that they have already obtained the land title.
“Since the government delayed to start construction, I approached Teso North Member of Parliament, Oku Kaunya and PAS in the Executive Office of the President Arthur Osiya to find a temporary place where the court could be domiciled awaiting the completion of the Malaba court.
The two leaders found former Amagoro DCs offices prudent and approached the national government, which agreed to send a Resident Magistrate and Principal Magistrate in July 2023. Opili said the aim of the court was not to hurt anybody but to help area residents instead of them travelling to Busia or Bungoma.
The court is also convenient to university students from the area who might want their forms stamped or signatures appended, he added. “The court has also been of great help to absorb attaches. We have a few because of limited space, but it’s beneficial to us,” Opili noted.
“All cases are heard here except appeal cases which are heard in Busia and Bungoma. The cases heard here are small claims cases, which range from Sh1 to Sh1m and no lawyer needed, and sermons are sent to accused persons via their WhatsApp.
Opili said other cases heard at the Malaba court ranged from Sh1 to Sh20m, adding that the court was domiciled at Malaba because of an upsurge of thefts and defilement cases and not to hurt people.