BUSIA Council of Elders on Thursday lauded Chief Justice Willy Mutunga's decision to give elders powers to hear civil cases.

Council secretary Pancras Otwani said the move will help reduce backlog of cases in Kenyan courts and save resources used by courts. "This will also bring cohesion in the community," he said.

Otwani, a former assistant minister appealed to various communities in Busia county to unite and work together to spur development. He asked the elders aged over 60 years to register and join the elders' council that was formed recently.

Meanwhile, boda boda operators in Teso South district have threatened to stage a demonstration over alleged harassment by the police. The operators from Tangakona, Obekai, Alupe, Kaliwa and Amukura claimed Adungosi police demand Sh50 from each operator per day. Those who fail to pay up face fabricated charges.