An elderly man who had a matter before the Environment and Land Court in Bungoma has died after collapsing within the court premises.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 7, the Judiciary confirmed the incident, saying the man appeared visibly unwell when he arrived at the court compound around 9 a.m. on a motorcycle.
“It is with sadness that the Judiciary reports an incident at Bungoma Law Courts where a man, who had a matter before court, died while within the court precincts,” the Judiciary said.
According to the Judiciary, a Customer Care Officer issued him a Priority Card, which is reserved for elderly persons, expectant mothers, persons with disabilities, and those who are sick, allowing them to receive expedited service due to his condition.
Man Collapses and Dies in Bungoma Law Court
The man was waiting for his advocate to arrive and went outside to lie on the grass with his brothers. However, when a court official later approached to provide an update, he found the man unresponsive.
“It was established that his matter was before the Environment and Land Court. He then indicated that he would wait for his advocate to arrive. He proceeded outside to lie down on the grass, as he waited with his brothers,” the statement read further.
“When a court official went to give him a further update, he found him unresponsive. Police were immediately called in, and it was ascertained that the man had, unfortunately, died.”
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Police were immediately called to the scene and confirmed that the man had died. The body was later moved to the Bungoma County Referral Hospital Morgue.
“The Judiciary extends its condolences to the man’s family,” Judiciary spokesperson Paul Ndemo said.
This comes less than a month after five people were injured when a firearm attached to a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer accidentally discharged a bullet at the same courts.
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According to the Judiciary, the incident occurred on the morning of September 16 at approximately 10:50 a.m. during the hearing of a criminal matter in the High Court. Those injured included the DCI officer himself, a Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) officer, and three civilians.
Judiciary spokesperson Paul Ndemo said the injured individuals were immediately rushed to Bungoma Referral Hospital, where they received treatment. All five were reported to be in stable condition, with no fatalities or serious injuries recorded.
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