The Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Mr. Jacob Ondari on Monday visited the Kodiaga Maximum Prison in Kisumu and promised prisoners at the facility that their cases will be prioritized.
Addressing the Prisoners, Mr. Ondari said that his visit to the facility was a pointer that their cases will be given the urgency they deserve.
“Some of you have been remanded for far too long. I want to assure you that your cases will be given priority,” he said.
Over 560 prisoners are being remanded at the prison. Mr. Kennedy Otieno who spoke on behalf of the prisoners pleaded with the Public Prosecutions’ office to facilitate the hearing of their cases.
“We plead with you to ensure that our cases are heard so that we know our fate. Some prisoners stay in remand for a very long time. It is a very big challenge,” he pleaded.
He also urged the courts to facilitate release of prisoners on bond and bail so that they can go on with their lives as their cases proceed.
“It will be better if some of us can be released on bail or bond in order for us to continue with our normal lives as our cases proceed,” added Mr. Otieno.
The event was also attended by Kisumu Law courts magistrate Julius Nga’rng’ar and other court officers.