The Judiciary has announced measures to strengthen security in courts and protect its staff following the recent destruction of court buildings during anti-government protests in Nairobi and its outskirts.

Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya said the institution has allocated a dedicated budget to ensure courts and judicial officers are better protected from similar attacks in the future.

She made the remarks  while assessing damage at various court stations that were targeted during demonstrations held over the last two weeks.

“We have set aside a budget to be able to enhance the security of the court so that the premises can be protected and ensure there is safety,” Mokaya said. She emphasised that the safety of judicial officers and court infrastructure would remain a key priority.

Mokaya, accompanied by other Judiciary officials, visited the Kikuyu and Dagoretti court stations, where critical buildings were vandalised or burnt during the June 25 protests. At the Kikuyu Law Courts, the damage extended beyond the courtroom to include the probation offices, sub-county administrative offices, and the chief’s office. Authorities have since arrested 24 people in connection with the destruction.

In Dagoretti, reconstruction is already underway, thanks to cooperation between the Judiciary and private stakeholders. Mokaya acknowledged the role of the local business community in leading restoration efforts.

“They are very committed and they have given us a promise that within 30 days the court will be complete and operational,” she noted.

To ensure continued service delivery, the Judiciary has temporarily transferred all cases from Dagoretti to the Kibera Law Courts while rehabilitation is ongoing.

Chief Justice Martha Koome had previously condemned the destruction of public buildings, including court facilities, saying such actions severely hinder the delivery of justice.

In a related development, two youth leaders linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are set to face terror-related charges in connection with the arson at the courts. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Igonga, has approved the charges, which stem from incidents on June 25.

According to the charge sheet, the two are accused of planning and executing a series of attacks from noon to 11:00 pm that day, in coordination with other unidentified individuals. The prosecution argues that the attacks were part of a larger plan to interrupt essential services offered by the government.