Lotuiya Law

24/06/2026

What is Plea Taking?

One of the first and most important stages in a criminal case is plea taking.

Plea taking is the process where an accused person is brought before a court, the charge is read and explained to them in a language they understand, and they are asked whether they admit or deny the charge.

The accused may:
✔ Plead Guilty – admitting the offence; or
✔ Plead Not Guilty – denying the offence and requiring the prosecution to prove its case.

A proper plea-taking process is essential because it safeguards the constitutional right to a fair trial. The court must ensure that the accused understands the charge and that any plea of guilty is made voluntarily and without coercion.

In Kenya, courts have emphasized that a conviction based on a guilty plea can only stand where the plea was unequivocal and properly recorded.

Key takeaway: Plea taking is not a mere formality. It is a crucial legal process that protects the rights of accused persons and promotes the fair administration of justice.

24/06/2026

Understanding the Difference Between Dividends and Rebates in a SACCO

Many SACCO members use the terms dividends and rebates interchangeably, yet they are two distinct benefits.

✅ Dividends are returns earned on your share capital in the SACCO. They reward you for being an owner and investor in the cooperative.

✅ Rebates are returns earned based on your participation and transactions with the SACCO, such as your deposits, savings, or loan activities. They reward you for actively using the SACCO's services.

Simply put:

Dividends reward ownership.
Rebates reward participation.

For example, if you have invested KSh 50,000 as share capital, you may earn dividends based on that investment. If you also maintain deposits or use SACCO products and services, you may receive rebates based on the volume of your transactions.

This unique feature is what makes SACCOs different from many other financial institutions—members benefit both as owners and as users of the cooperative.

13/06/2026