Chief Justice Martha Koome announced on Thursday that the new law court building in Siaya town would be renamed the Argwings Kodhek Siaya High Court. The decision came after a request from Siaya Governor James Orengo and Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi. The renaming is in honor of Argwings Kodhek, the first East African barrister and Member of Parliament for Gem constituency, who was tragically murdered during the struggle for independence in Kenya. Kodhek was known for his pro bono representation of Mau Mau fighters.
Siaya county has produced many notable judges and lawyers, including SM Otieno, Dr. Oki Ooko Ombaka, and Isaac Omolo Okero, the only Kenyan-born Queens Counsel. It is also home to several past chairpersons of the Law Society of Kenya, such as Isaac Okero, SC Joe Okwach, and Rachael Omamo, the first female chair and former cabinet secretary. Judges with roots in Siaya county include retired Chief Justice Bernard Chunga, as well as retired judges Onyango Otieno, Richard Kwach, Omondi Tunya, Muga Apondi, and Andrew Hayanga. Supreme Court Judge William Ouko, Chief Registrar Anne Amadi, James Orengo, and Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo are among the prominent legal figures from Siaya.
During the launch of the court’s new building, Chief Justice Koome also inaugurated the Siaya Small Claims Court, Siaya Sexual and Gender-Based Violence court, and the court’s e-filing system. The new court building features spacious courtrooms, judges’ chambers, staff offices, and specialized registries for criminal, civil, environment, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and SGBV cases. There is even a dedicated children’s courtroom with a play area.
Chief Justice Koome emphasized the Judiciary’s commitment to establishing a magistrate’s court in Ugunja constituency, the only region in Siaya without a court facility. The goal is to improve access to justice and bridge the gap between the people and the courts. With the introduction of the e-filing system, litigants can now file cases remotely from anywhere. The Judiciary plans to establish assistance desks at Huduma Centres, staffed by automation officers, to facilitate the filing process.
The launch of the Siaya SGBV court is part of the Judiciary’s gender mainstreaming policy and aims to provide a victim-friendly environment that discourages stigmatization. Justice Agnes Murgor, Chairperson of the International Association of Women Judges Kenyan Chapter, highlighted the importance of addressing SGBV cases and combating human trafficking. The court will not only ensure timely delivery of judgments but also offer psychosocial support to survivors.
In summary, the renaming of the law court building to the Argwings Kodhek Siaya High Court pays tribute to an influential figure in Kenya’s legal history. The launch of the new court building, along with the Siaya Small Claims Court, SGBV court, and e-filing system, demonstrates the Judiciary’s commitment to improving access to justice and providing specialized services. Siaya county has a rich legal legacy, with numerous esteemed judges and lawyers hailing from the region.