The incident happened at 10:50 a.m. while a criminal case was being heard. According to Judiciary Spokesperson Paul Ndemo, the gun went off unexpectedly, injuring two officers and three civilians inside the courtroom.
Witnesses described the moment as tense and frightening, with people rushing for safety as the loud gunshot echoed through the hall. Security officers quickly stepped in to restore order and assist the injured.
The five victims—among them the DCI officer himself, a prison warder, and three members of the public—were rushed to Bungoma Referral Hospital for treatment. Ndemo confirmed that all of them were in stable condition and that none had sustained life-threatening injuries.
“It is with relief that we report there were no fatalities. All the injured are receiving treatment and are out of danger,” he stated.
The cause of the accidental discharge is still under investigation. However, sources indicated that the officer’s firearm may have misfired while being adjusted, though official details have yet to be released.
Court sessions were briefly disrupted as police secured the area and reassured anxious members of the public. Normal operations later resumed after the situation was declared safe.
This unusual event has raised fresh concerns about the handling of firearms in sensitive spaces like courts, where both civilians and security officers are present in large numbers.
Legal experts and human rights groups have in the past urged for stricter firearm management protocols within court precincts to prevent similar accidents.
In Bungoma, many residents expressed shock, noting that such incidents are rare and could have ended in tragedy.
On social media, Kenyans reacted with mixed feelings—some relieved that no life was lost, while others demanded accountability and better safety measures for officers carrying guns in public institutions.
“It is with relief that we report there were no fatalities. All the injured are receiving treatment and are out of danger,” he stated.
The cause of the accidental discharge is still under investigation. However, sources indicated that the officer’s firearm may have misfired while being adjusted, though official details have yet to be released.
Court sessions were briefly disrupted as police secured the area and reassured anxious members of the public. Normal operations later resumed after the situation was declared safe.
This unusual event has raised fresh concerns about the handling of firearms in sensitive spaces like courts, where both civilians and security officers are present in large numbers.
Legal experts and human rights groups have in the past urged for stricter firearm management protocols within court precincts to prevent similar accidents.
In Bungoma, many residents expressed shock, noting that such incidents are rare and could have ended in tragedy.
On social media, Kenyans reacted with mixed feelings—some relieved that no life was lost, while others demanded accountability and better safety measures for officers carrying guns in public institutions.
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