Five people were reportedly injured after a firearm accidentally discharged inside a courtroom during the hearing of a case at the Bungoma Law Courts.
The incident occurred at about 10:50 a.m. in the High Court when a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer’s Ceska pistol went off unexpectedly. Those injured include the officer himself, who sustained a minor hip wound, a Kenya Prisons officer with a chin injury, and three civilians. The bullet bounced inside the courtroom, striking all five.
They were rushed to Bungoma Referral Hospital, where they are receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition. No fatalities were recorded.
Court sessions were briefly halted before resuming once the courtroom was secured. Judiciary spokesperson Paul Ndemo assured the public that all court officials and members of the public at the scene were safe, urging composure.
Bungoma County Police Commander Anderson Njagi confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the circumstances of the accidental discharge and whether there were lapses in firearm handling.
“We want to reassure the Judiciary and the public that we will do everything possible to ensure such incidents do not occur again,” Njagi said.
DCI has pledged accountability, while the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is expected to join the review. Security experts say the incident highlights the need for stricter courtroom firearm safety protocols.
