The Judiciary in Eldoret has been forced to suspend court operations following a destructive arson attack during protests on Tuesday. The incident, which saw a county court razed to the ground, has left officials scrambling to assess the damage and salvage what remains.
According to Deputy Registrar Cheronoh Kesse of the Court of Appeal, the premises were completely engulfed, resulting in the loss of vital files, computers, and other crucial documents. The destruction has not only disrupted judicial proceedings but also raised serious concerns about the safety of Judiciary staff in the region.
“In light of the extensive losses incurred and the security risks faced by our staff, we have regrettably decided to suspend operations temporarily,” Kesse announced. Efforts are now underway to devise a swift plan for resuming court activities as soon as feasible.
The High Court in Eldoret, situated near the national library which was similarly vandalized and looted during the protests, was at the center of the chaos. Judges and court personnel had to be evacuated urgently, with ambulances reportedly used for transport amidst the turmoil.
Local authorities have yet to provide further details on the cause of the protests or the identities of the perpetrators behind the arson attack. Meanwhile, the community and legal fraternity alike are grappling with the aftermath, emphasizing the urgent need for stability and security to restore normalcy.
As the situation develops, stakeholders are hopeful that swift measures will be taken to restore the judiciary’s operations and ensure the safety of all involved. The resilience of Eldoret’s legal system in the face of such adversity remains a focal point as efforts to rebuild and recover continue.
