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Ogiek anti-excision
case deferred as judge warns government attorney
by
Sang J. K., Ogiek Welfare Council
(April 23,
2002) The Ogiek of East Mau, clad in their traditional garments,
assembled in the High Court of Kenya in Nairobi for the hearing
of their application. The case, which has lasted more than a year
in court, was deferred for hearing once again.
When the
matter came for the chamber hearing, the Kenyan government claimed
they had yet to file their replying affidavits and thus could
not proceed. The judge questioned the government on this point,
noting that the government had had more than a year to turn in
the appropriate documents. He further warned the government of
a penalty if any hidden reason was found for not filling their
papers.
Finally,
the judge directed the case to be heard for two hours in the morning
in a date yet to be picked that would be acceptable to both parties
in the High Court registry. The judge further acknowledged the
existence of a fresh suit filed on behalf of three non-governmental
organizations by a constitutional lawyer to which the Ogiek are
party.
The new
dates shall be made public as soon as they are set.
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