Chief Justice Martha Koome Thursday visited Kikuyu Law Courts in Kiambu County after it was burnt down during the June 25 protests.
Locals are facing an indefinite delay in accessing essential judicial services following the torching of the premises.
The arson attack, which destroyed critical court infrastructure and case files, has plunged the delivery of justice in the region into uncertainty.
Koome, who visited the site on Thursday to assess the extent of the damage, expressed concern over the attack, describing it as an act of terrorism against the justice system.
She confirmed that all 23 judicial staff stationed at the Kikuyu court were accounted for and safe.
“Our worry is what will happen to the justice seekers who come here every day,” said Koome during a media briefing at the site. She emphasized the gravity of the incident, warning that such actions not only cripple access to justice but also embolden lawlessness.
The Chief Justice said while the Constitution provides for the right to peaceful assembly, criminal elements appeared to have hijacked the protests.
“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 clear distinctions between lawful demonstrations and acts of criminality, urging citizens not to lose faith in the justice system.
She called on state and non-state actors to urgently come together and craft sustainable solutions to the issues plaguing the country.
“This is a country where we are all required to find solutions,” said Koome, reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice, even in the face of disruption and destruction.
Leaders from the local court have appealed for patience from residents, assuring them that efforts are underway to find alternative means to resume services.
However, they cautioned that the damage caused was extensive and that restoring normal operations would take time. The destruction has not only stalled ongoing legal proceedings but also complicated matters for criminal suspects, many of whom remain in remand or were awaiting trial.
Authorities must now explore mechanisms to reconstruct lost files, as no digital or virtual backups were in place for many of the affected records.
Speaking on behalf of legal practitioners in the region and nationally, lawyer Julius Njoroge condemned the attack, terming it a gross violation of human rights and an assault on Kenya’s judicial sovereignty.
Njoroge noted that the absence of digital records would significantly strain efforts to rebuild case files and resume court operations.
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