China, Kenyan law societies mull prisoner extradition

NAIROBI - Kenyan and Chinese law societies kicked off talks on Sunday aimed at allowing the two countries to begin extradition of prisoners, Nairobi's chief prosecutor said.

Kenya's Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko said he has hosted a delegation from Chinese Law Society in Nairobi where the issue of prisoner extradition was discussed including some areas of cooperation between the two legal bodies.

"The delegation, which was led by Vice President and Secretary General of China Law Society Bao Shaokun, discussed various issues relating to closer working relations between the two jurisdictions, " Tobiko said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

Speaking during the talks, Bao said they will work closely with the DPP on issues relating to extradition, mutual legal assistance and transfer of prisoners between the two countries.

The Chinese official also hailed Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for achievements met so far since it was established in 2010.

Speaking during the meeting, Tobiko underscored the need to exchange programmes between the two agencies to enable judicial officers and prosecutors from China to understand legal systems in Kenya and vice versa for effective administration of justice.

There are several Chinese prisoners in the East African nation who are facing various criminal charges. There are also some Kenyans in Chinese jails who are facing drug trafficking charges.