Lawyers want expert to inspect judges’ office block

East Africa Law Society President Mr. James Mwamu who wants the new office block for judges in Upperhill, Nairobi inspected by an independent expert. PHOTO/WILLIAM OERI 

In Summary

• Two contradictory reports on the safety of the Elgon Place building in Nairobi is causing confusion
• Court of Appeal Judges have refused to relocate to the building arguing that intense exposure to the telecommunication equipment could lead to sickness and even death
• LSK also raised a red flag over dangers posed by the alleged radioactive masts

A regional lawyers’ body want Chief Justice Willy Mutunga to commission an independent expert to inspect safety of a new office block for judges in Upper Hill, Nairobi.

The East Africa Law Society (EALS) President Mr. James Aggrey Mwamu said two contradictory reports on the safety of the Elgon Place building in Nairobi is causing confusion.

“Two reports in public domain over health risks caused by telecommunication masts next to the building (Elgon Place) where the Court of Appeal should relocate in Upper Hill caused the stalemate,” Mr. Mwamu said.

The Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) declared the multi-storied building safe but the Radiation Protection Board expressed reservations.

Court of Appeal Judges have refused to relocate to the building arguing that intense exposure to the telecommunication equipment, which releases radioactive emissions, could lead to sickness and even death.

“The Chief Justice should not snub the fundamental health concerns raised by the Judges,” Mr. Mwamu said.

The EALS President said that even the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) raised a red flag over dangers posed by the alleged radioactive masts.

“Lawyers also major stakeholders in delivery of justice and their doubts on health should not be shoved aside,” Mr. Mwamu said.

CONSTITUTION

The EALS President wondered of the hurry in relocating the Court of Appeal arguing the Supreme Court building, where they are currently located, is not crumbling.

“The Judiciary deals with fundamental rights of citizens and the Court of Appeal Judges should be protected by similar provisions provided under the Constitution,” Mr. Mwamu said.

The EALS President also proposed that the Judiciary calls a meeting with the Judges to settle the stalemate that may cause miscarriage of justice.

The LSK recently warned lawyers against taking cases to the Upper Hill building until experts cleared the health concerns

The relocation from the Court is part of a plan to refurbish the building and acquire new premises for the Judiciary over the next five years.