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Street legal aid clinic to the rescue in pursuit of justice for Lamu residents

Lamu County residents during street legal aid sessions, organised by Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), on March 22, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein | 24 Mar 2024

Via open forums, residents seek advice on legal matters such as land and employment disputes, and family law issues, from legal professionals or volunteers with legal expertise.

Lamu County residents have benefited from street law legal aid clinics as part of efforts by community-based organisations to promote access to justice for the poor and marginalised.

The Street Law Legal Aid Clinic is a community-based initiative to provide assistance and guidance to individuals who may not have easy access to traditional legal services.

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A Lamu County resident is assisted by a legal expert during street legal aid sessions, organised by Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), on March 22, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Via open forums, residents seek advice on legal matters such as land and employment disputes, and family law issues from legal professionals or volunteers with legal expertise who are dedicated to promoting access to justice for marginalised and underserved communities.

Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) partnered with community-based organisations to organise this latest session at Kitorazini Mokowe.

A Lamu County resident speaks during street legal aid sessions, organised by Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), on March 22, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

“The clinic focused on the critical issue of defilement. We aimed to raise awareness, empower marginalised voices, and dismantle barriers to justice for survivors. Through our Pro Bono Advocate programme, Muhuri ensures survivors receive the support and legal representation they deserve,” MUHURI said, adding other matters were also discussed.

“Many community members sought guidance on child maintenance, child rights, land rights, and access to legal information. These are areas where knowledge gaps often exist."

Lamu County residents during street legal aid sessions, organised by Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), on March 22, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Maimuna Nassir, one of the beneficiaries, praised the initiative as having a positive impact on her life.

“If you look at our livelihoods, a number of us cannot afford to go to court. We do not have the money. Another challenge is that the courts are not that near to us. This means you have to travel and even pay for boat rides to get there,” she said

Lamu County residents during street legal aid sessions, organised by Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), on March 22, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Kassim Khalid asked the organisers to prioritise land cases, as they are a major concern in the area.

Muhuri noted committed to championing the rights of those often overlooked and ensuring fairness and equity in all legal proceedings, working with representatives from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the police and paralegals.

The effort is supported by the PLEAD II partnership of the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Amkeni Wakenya civil society organisation.