DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS LEGAL SERVICES HOSTS A WORKSHOP FOR COURT MARTIAL JUDGE ADVOCATES

On Tuesday, 23rd November 2021, Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, Cabinet Secretary for Defence officiated a 2-day workshop for judge advocates from the Judiciary of Kenya taking up Court Martial Duties at the International Peace Support Training Centre. 

The seminar which was presided over by Brigadier Y K Kirui, Chief of Legal Services Defence Headquarters aims at enhancing the advocates' knowledge on the mandate of the court-martial and the military justice system. A total of 12 members of the judiciary, as well as military legal officers, are participating in the workshop to improve understanding on the mandate of the Court Martial.

During the 2 day period, the 12 advocates will cover the following issues; Importance of Military Discipline, Relationship between Military Discipline/ Command Structure and Rule of Law, Military Justice System and Limitation of Constitutional Rights, Provost Services and Investigation, Service Law whose scope is (KDF Act 2012, Rules & Regulations, Defence Forces Standing Orders/ Instructions).

The Court Martial is mandated to enforce laws as per the Kenya Defence Forces Act 2012. The court-martial which falls under the subordinate courts is semi-autonomous. Judge advocates serving in the court are appointed by the Chief Justice and are responsible for the proper discharge of functions to the Chief Justice.