Busia Chief Magistrate, Mr. Thomas Okoth has warned members of the LC lll courts to desist from corrupt tendencies while executing their duties in the community.
The Chief Magistrate revealed this on 26/4/2023, while swearing in members of the LC111 courts at an event held at Macho-Chango hall in Busia municipality.
Okoth said that these courts, which will be composed of 5 committee members, are crucial in receiving appeals from lower courts, preside over them and make decisions.
He also said that they will handle some cases directly and after making a ruling refer them to judicial courts for enforcement or determining penalties.
In his communication, he emphasized on cautioning members of the LC lll courts against engaging in corruption tendencies while executing their duties. He said this will compromise their integrity while making decisions in their areas of jurisdiction.
He added that these committees will reduce the case backlog handled by judicial courts. He, however, said that the aforementioned courts will only handle civil cases. Those who will not be contented with their decisions will be at liberty to seek justice through appealing to judicial courts.
Ronald Masiga, the LC lll chairperson Dabani Sub County, appreciated the government for trusting these lower courts with the mandate of handling small cases. He added that it will be easier for sub county committees to determine criminal cases against civil cases and minimize unnecessary police arrests in their areas of jurisdiction.
