CJ Maraga Suspends Court Activities In Kenya Over Coronavirus Fears

Since the first confirmation of Coronavirus in Kenya, institutions have been taking precautions to stop any further spreading of the deadly virus that has claimed 5,000+ deaths under the last 8 weeks.

WHO recently declared COVID-19 a pandemic with over 300,000 infections reported globally. Coronavirus has since moved from China as the epicenter to Europe where Italy is leading with deaths and infections that now increases by 20%.

Kenyan government has also made stringent measures since the case confirmation. Public gatherings have been banned and public required to avoid overcrowded places, washing hands with soap and other alcoholic hand sanitizers as a way containing the spread.

45 people are currently under watch following their links to the confirmed case. The lady who tested positive is said to be responding well to treatment.

CJ Maraga when he made the announcements.

Amongst the stiff measures is banning of visits to jail which has now been complimented by announcement by the Chief Justice suspending normal judiciary activities for two weeks.

CJ Maraga made the announcement that the judiciary will be scaling down court activities. Maraga made the announcement on Sunday after the National Council on Administration of Justice met and resolved to implement a raft of measures to control the spread of Covid-19 virus.

Within this period, Maraga announced that prisoners and remandees will not be presented in court.

New arrests to be dealt with at police station; all appeals, hearings and mentions in civil and criminal cases suspended.

Courts will however handle certificates of urgency and taking plea for serious cases only. Judicial officers and staff will be reporting to work but there will be no open court appearances.

In efforts to decongest the prisons, judges in all stations are required to review the deserving cases already identified by the prison authorities. Magistrate courts will also review bail terms for those in remand.