Five people were left nursing injuries after an accidental shooting at the Bungoma Law Court involving a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer. The incident caused panic within the court premises but has since been clarified as an accident, with authorities assuring the public of continued safety.
The incident occurred during the mid-morning session of a criminal case hearing. At around 10:50 am, a DCI officer’s firearm discharged unexpectedly. The bullet struck the officer himself on the hip before ricocheting and injuring a prison officer, two male civilians, and one female civilian who were present inside the courtroom.
Security personnel at the scene immediately responded, ensuring that the injured were quickly evacuated to Bungoma County Referral Hospital. Medical staff confirmed that all five victims were in stable condition and were receiving appropriate treatment. Fortunately, the injuries were reported as minor, sparing the victims from more serious outcomes.
The unexpected gunfire created a brief moment of chaos inside the courtroom, with witnesses describing confusion as people scrambled for safety. However, the situation was swiftly contained by law enforcement officers stationed at the court.
County security officials later visited the site to assess the situation and reassure court staff and members of the public that security at the premises remains intact. They emphasized that the matter is under investigation to establish how the accidental discharge occurred and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Judiciary also issued a statement confirming the accident and reassuring the public that there was no ongoing threat to court operations. They noted that beyond the five individuals who were injured, all other judicial officers, court staff, and members of the public remained unharmed. The statement urged calm, emphasizing that the court environment remains secure.
The incident has prompted calls for stricter firearm handling protocols within court premises. Observers noted that while armed officers are essential to ensuring security during high-risk cases, incidents like these highlight the importance of regular safety checks, training, and proper handling of firearms in sensitive public spaces.
As investigations continue, the victims are expected to make full recoveries. Court activities resumed shortly after the incident, with officials determined to maintain normal operations while enhancing safety measures.
