Magistrate warns against use of Kangaroo courts in handling children’s cases
By Elias Kiplimo, November 12, 2025The Senior Principal Magistrate at the Iten Law Courts in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Gladys Adhiambo, has issued a stern warning against the use of ‘kangaroo courts’, informal systems used to handle children’s cases outside the formal judiciary.
Speaking at Iten Law Court on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Magistrate Adhiambo stated that these practices constitute a major obstacle to children’s access to justice in the county, emphasising that resolving such matters outside the official court system is against the law.
“Children’s cases, especially those involving the defilement of minors, must be brought to court,” Adhiambo insisted.
She issued a strong warning that anyone found to be conducting or participating in the hearing of cases outside the formal courts will face severe legal action. Furthermore, she warned about neglectful parents.
The magistrate noted that the main challenge preventing timely conclusions is when individuals tamper with evidence in these cases, particularly those involving defilement.
“If an offender is found guilty, there is a high likelihood their case will be resolved by December.” Adhiambo reiterate
This call comes during the November Children’s Service Month in the Kenyan Judiciary, an initiative that focuses on clearing cases involving minors in the courts and raising public awareness of children’s rights.
She explained that this priority is given because children are considered among the most vulnerable members of society, and therefore, their cases should be heard swiftly.
Adhiambo cited Article 53 of the Constitution, which stipulates that children are highly important individuals and that all parents, whether married or unmarried, have equal responsibility to care for them.
Speaking to journalists, Adhiambo called upon all stakeholders involved in the court process to submit reports and all necessary witnesses, so that all children’s cases are concluded by November.
“We are appealing to our clients and the various agencies that work with the court to help us complete these cases.”
She stressed the importance of all stakeholders maintaining discipline and integrity in the justice delivery process to prevent people from tampering with evidence, thereby denying victims justice.
Supporting the magistrate’s efforts, the executive officer at the Iten Law Courts, Peter Titi, announced that all cases scheduled for December and January have been brought forward to be heard this month.
“We urged citizens whose children’s cases have been delayed (beyond the constitutional six-month limit) to visit and informed the court that their cases should be heard during this Children’s Service Month,” said Titi.
Meanwhile. Titi encouraged citizens to utilize fast-track methods of seeking justice, such as ‘Court Annexed Mediation’ and the ‘Alternative Justice System’.