Court proceedings at Bungoma High Court were interrupted on Thursday morning when a firearm accidentally went off inside a courtroom, injuring five people. The incident occurred around 10:50 am during the hearing of a criminal case, causing panic among attendees.
According to a Judiciary statement, the gun, owned by a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer, discharged unexpectedly. Those injured included the DCI officer, a Kenya Prisons officer, and three civilians present in court.
All five victims were quickly taken to Bungoma County Referral Hospital, where doctors confirmed that their injuries were not life-threatening and that they were in stable condition. No deaths or serious harm were reported.
Judiciary spokesperson Paul Ndemi reassured the public that other court staff and visitors were safe.
"The County security team has already visited the court premises and is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting," he said, adding that further updates would be provided as the investigation continues.
Court proceedings resumed shortly after police and county security officers secured the scene and restored order, allowing hearings to continue without further disruption.
