KITUO CHA SHERIA BLOG

“Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.” – Brodi Ashton, Everneath

Goal 16 of the sustainable development goals speaks to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. In promoting access to justice at the grassroots level, Kituo Cha Sheria works with trained community paralegals – men and women doing sterling pro-bono work within their communities. These dedicated and remarkable people generously donate their time, expertise, and energy to help close the gap in access to justice by offering credible and accountable legal aid services to indigent persons within their society.

Our community paralegals bring Article 48 of the Constitution of Kenya to life at the grassroots level;  Mzee Joseph Ojango Ongaya of the Kibera Community Justice Centre (Nairobi County) was one such champion.

Mzee Joseph Ojango served as chairman of the Kibera Community Justice Centre working in partnership with Kituo cha Sheria as a true human rights champion since 2008 until his passing on 3^rd December 2017. Mzee Joseph Ojango Ongaya was born in 1958 to Mzee Ongaya Ojango and Veronica Onienga in Nyakwaka Vilage, Asonga Sub-location, Ugunja Constituency, Siaya County. Mzee Ojango received his formal education through the O-level school system where he excelled in his studies. Brother Ojango was born into a Catholic family and baptized at the St. Francis Rangala Parish. He later joined the St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Eastleigh next to Pangani where he lived becoming a strong member of the church. Ojango was employed at Kenya Breweries Limited where he served dutifully till his retirement. After retirement he was involved in politics (Chairman of Orange Democratic Movement-Starehe Constituency, Nairobi County) social and voluntary works (NGO’s- Kituo Cha Sheria, IPOA, Kenya Human Rights Commission, among others) as well as various church activities. Mzee Ojango was truly blessed and served as a blessing to many since birth in 1958.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, brother Lucas Ongaya, sister Mackrine Akoth and son Felix Manon Otieno. He lives to Cherish his wife Wilfridah Adhiambo, brother Mathews Magero, sisters Maria and Domtilla and his children Paul Victor Budung, Daughter in law Mercy Otieno,Beatrice Akinyi, Erick Omondi Mandoz El Prezida and Linet Atieno. Grandchildren Rachel Nelly, Liam Joseph Kyle Joseph and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and other loving relatives and friends.

Kituo cha Sheria wishes to sincerely condole with Mzee Ojango’s family; we wish them the fortitude and presence of mind to go through this trying moment in their lives.

Community paralegals go the extra mile in doing their work, in some cases more than other permanent staff. Community paralegals are highly dedicated people, highly motivated by the desire to make tangible contributions to their communities by reaching the vulnerable and marginalized. They continuously develop their capacities to participate actively and constructively in the promotion of access to justice.

We celebrate our grassroots justice champions!

RCKM

Kituo Cha Sheria

We care for justice.