Mama Samia Legal Aid campaign draws strong response in Mafia
MAFIA: THE second phase of the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign in Mafia District, Coast Region, has received a positive response, with the government pledging to extend legal education and assistance to more residents, particularly those in remote areas.
The campaign began on October 29 in Kanga Ward, where residents of Kanga and Bweni villages received legal education and an opportunity to present their grievances.
Speaking during the exercise, State Attorney from the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Mr Lazaro Mushi, said the initiative aimed to help citizens understand their rights and access solutions to legal challenges.
“We have received various grievances, many of which involve legal matters. The exercise is ongoing and we expect to reach more residents. We urge people to continue turning up in large numbers so that everyone facing legal challenges can benefit,” he said.
Mafia District Social Welfare Officer Michael Njenda said the campaign also focused on raising awareness about gender-based violence, targeting both children and adults to promote safer communities.
A Bweni village resident, Ms Zubeda Juma, thanked the government for taking legal services closer to people in remote areas.
“I thank the President for remembering people living in remote areas and bringing these services closer to us. Previously, we only saw such initiatives in the media, but today we are benefiting directly,” she said.
The campaign is expected to cover eight wards and 23 villages before concluding on November 6.
Residents will receive legal advice and assistance on various matters, including marriage and divorce, inheritance, wills, land disputes and alternative dispute resolution.
Those with cases before courts or other justice institutions will also receive legal representation through private advocates and authorised state attorneys providing free legal aid.
The initiative seeks to improve access to justice by ensuring that geographical and financial challenges do not prevent citizens from obtaining legal assistance.
