Succession Cases Drive Backlog at Eldoret Courts, Judge Urges Alternative Justice Mechanisms
“Once the Turbo Court is operational, we expect a further reduction in case backlog. We are also hopeful that the Chief Justice, Martha Koome, will deploy more magistrates and judges to the North Rift to speed up the disposal of cases,” Justice Reuben Nyakundi
Justice Reuben Nyakundi Photo: Achieng Kemuma.
By James Gitaka
Succession disputes remain a major challenge in the administration of justice in the North Rift, contributing to a growing backlog of cases at courts in Eldoret and its environs.
The Presiding Judge of the Eldoret High Court, Justice Reuben Nyakundi, has revealed that more than 3,000 succession-related matters are currently pending at the Eldoret High Court, while the Eldoret Law Courts are handling a broader backlog of about 17,000 cases.
Justice Nyakundi made the remarks on Friday during the Annual Judiciary Dialogue Day held at the Eldoret Law Courts, a forum that brought together litigants, advocates, court users and residents from across Uasin Gishu and neighboring counties in the North Rift region.
Addressing the gathering, the judge urged families and communities to resolve inheritance disputes through alternative justice mechanisms, including court-annexed mediation, to ease pressure on the courts and shorten the time taken to conclude cases.
“There is no reason why a succession matter in our communities should remain in court for 35 to 45 years. Parliament has provided clear timelines requiring succession cases to be concluded within one year, and as a court we are committed to ensuring these matters are determined in good time,” said Justice Nyakundi.
He noted that the Judiciary’s efforts to bring services closer to the people were already yielding results, particularly with the commissioning of the Moiben Law Courts.
“The Moiben Court has significantly reduced the distance and cost of accessing justice for residents of Moiben and the wider Uasin Gishu area. It has also helped in decongesting the Eldoret courts,” he said.
Justice Nyakundi added that the anticipated commissioning of the Turbo Law Courts would further ease the burden on Eldoret courts and improve access to justice for residents of Turbo, Kapsaos, Tapsagoi and surrounding areas.
“Once the Turbo Court is operational, we expect a further reduction in case backlog. We are also hopeful that the Chief Justice, Martha Koome, will deploy more magistrates and judges to the North Rift to speed up the disposal of cases,” he noted.
The judge called on the Uasin Gishu County Government, elders, religious leaders and other local stakeholders to play a proactive role in resolving succession disputes at the community level before they escalate into prolonged court battles.
He warned that unresolved inheritance disputes often lead to economic losses, stalled development and strained family relationships, with some families in the North Rift remaining entangled in court cases for decades.
The Judiciary Dialogue Day attracted a large turnout of residents and litigants from Eldoret and surrounding areas. However, the forum was partially disrupted by ongoing demonstrations in Eldoret involving boda boda riders and police officers.
The disturbances, which began on Thursday night, forced organisers to relocate the event from the Eldoret High Court to the Eldoret Law Courts, even as court operations in the town continued under heightened security.
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