What usually happens
A report is free, must be entered in the Occurrence Book, and you are entitled to the OB number. Free legal aid exists for children's cases and for serious criminal matters. Ask at the court's legal aid desk.
The law that protects you
- Constitution, Arts. 48, 50 and 22
- Everyone has a right of access to the courts, to a fair hearing, and to go to court to enforce their rights.
- Legal Aid Act, 2016
- The National Legal Aid Service provides free lawyers to people who cannot afford one; legal aid is free for children in criminal matters.
- Victim Protection Act, 2014
- A victim has a right to be protected, kept informed, and supported through the case.
What you can do
- 1.
Report at any police station. Reporting is free and the report must be entered in the Occurrence Book.
- 2.
Ask for the OB number and the officer's name. It is your reference for every follow-up.
- 3.
Go to the legal aid desk at your nearest court, or to FIDA or Kituo Cha Sheria, and ask for help drafting and filing.
- 4.
Children's cases are heard in a Children's Court, in private, and your name must not be published.
If you are refused
If you are asked for money to record a report or to be given a file, that is a bribe. Note who asked, when, and how much, and report it to the station commander, IPOA, the EACC, and the Commission on Administrative Justice. Then take the same complaint to a legal aid organisation.