Bungoma Law Courts / JUDICIARY FACEBOOKFive people were injured on Tuesday morning after a firearm was accidentally discharged inside the Bungoma Law Courts during a criminal hearing, prompting panic and an evacuation of the courtroom.
Bungoma County Police Commander Anderson Njagi
said the incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. in High Court No. 2 when a firearm
went off, discharging one round of ammunition.
The bullet ricocheted and injured a Directorate of Criminal Investigations
(DCI) officer, a Kenya Prisons officer, and three civilians.
“A prison officer was hit on the chin and hip,
while three members of the public sustained minor injuries. From initial
investigations, it was purely accidental. We have recovered the firearm, and
crime scene officers are handling the matter,” Njagi said.
The Judiciary confirmed the incident in a statement, clarifying that the discharge came from a DCI officer’s gun. Judiciary spokesperson Paul Ndemo said all five victims were taken to Bungoma County Referral Hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition.
“There were no serious injuries or fatalities.
All court officials as well as members of the public at the court are safe, and
there is therefore no need for alarm,” Ndemo said.
He reassured court users that safety measures were intact and urged calm.
The gunshot caused confusion as the judge, lawyers,
court staff, and members of the public rushed out of the courtroom for safety.
Proceedings were briefly halted as security officers moved in to secure the
premises.
Njagi said the judiciary and public should
remain assured of their safety.
“This was an accident, and we are reviewing the circumstances to ensure such
incidents do not recur,” he said.
The Judiciary added that it would continue updating the public as investigations progress.
