If you want peace, work for justice

Earlier this week, my colleagues and I went to court for a hearing. The courtroom was overflowing with spectators because, according to a friendly news reporter, a high-publicity case was set to be heard. When that case was called, the defendants' lawyer announced that he was not ready to proceed because he had been "disorganized" by the holidays. The case was rescheduled. As the defendants were making their way out of the courtroom, they were attacked by some people in the gallery (many who are plaintiffs or sympathizers). There were no bailiffs, no security personnel. People clamored and climbed to take a swing or get a better look. Eventually, the defendants managed to exit the courtroom and the commotion continued outside.

As it turned out, the scuffle was the most excitement to take place in court that day. More cases were called, including ours; all were adjourned to a later date because somebody wasn't ready. There were neither consequences nor resistance to delay. Too many people involved in the process - the magistrate, the clerks, the lawyers, the parties - seemed resigned that justice will be delayed and, often as a result, denied.

When the post-election events first unraveled in Kenya, I wanted desperately for peace to be restored. Now, I want justice. I still want restoration of peace; I don't agree with violence against innocent people as a means to vent discontent with the government. Yet I'm glad that people are not passive, are not resigned to be ruled by a questionable leader produced by a questionable election. Some occasions call for indignation, without which inaction and despair - and the injustices they perpetuate - would go unchecked.