Residents of Kikuyu in Kiambu County are grappling with a looming justice crisis following the arson attack that razed the local law courts during Wednesday’s anti-government protests. The fire, which gutted court infrastructure and destroyed critical case files, has indefinitely halted legal services in the area.
Chief Justice Martha Koome visited the scene on Thursday, describing the incident as “an act of terrorism against the justice system.” She voiced deep concern for justice seekers in the region and underscored the long-term impact on access to justice.
“Our worry is what will happen to the justice seekers who come here every day,” Koome said, emphasizing that the destruction not only hampers judicial operations but also fuels a culture of impunity. She confirmed that all 23 judicial staff members at the court were unharmed.
The attack has disrupted numerous ongoing legal proceedings and left many criminal suspects in limbo, particularly those held in remand awaiting trial. Legal experts have raised alarms over the absence of digital backups for many of the lost records, further complicating efforts to resume court operations.
Speaking on behalf of legal practitioners, lawyer Julius Njoroge condemned the arson as a grave violation of human rights and a direct assault on Kenya’s judicial independence. He urged authorities to expedite efforts to reconstruct lost files and restore services.
While acknowledging the public’s constitutional right to protest, CJ Koome warned that criminal elements had infiltrated the demonstrations, hijacking what began as peaceful civic action. “I believe the majority of Kenyans who came out to demonstrate did so in good faith,” she said, “but were met with other elements who took advantage.”
Koome called for urgent collaboration between state and non-state actors to develop sustainable solutions to the country’s challenges. She reassured the public of the Judiciary’s unwavering commitment to delivering justice, even amid adversity.
“This is a country where we are all required to find solutions,” she stated, urging citizens to differentiate between lawful protest and acts of criminality that threaten Kenya’s democratic institutions.
