Judiciary Responds After Man Sets Himself on Fire Outside Supreme Court
The Judiciary has issued a statement following a shocking incident on Tuesday, March 11, where a man set himself on fire outside the Supreme Court building in protest over a delayed court case.
Man Suffers Serious Injuries
The man, who sustained severe burns, was rescued by police officers and rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital. According to the Judiciary, he will be questioned to determine the motive behind his extreme action.
What Happened?
The Judiciary revealed that the man was protesting against slow justice. He arrived outside the Supreme Court carrying documents and a bottle containing a liquid, believed to be petrol.
“At about 9:30 AM, a man, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, stopped outside the Supreme Court building. He placed documents on the ground, poured the liquid on himself, and then set himself on fire,” the statement read.
Quick Police Response
Police officers stationed at the Supreme Court reacted swiftly, extinguishing the flames and saving the man’s life. Nairobi County officials assisted in rushing him to the hospital for treatment.
Judiciary to Investigate
The Judiciary has promised to investigate the man’s grievance and determine if his drastic action was linked to a pending court case.
“The Judiciary is taking a keen interest in the matter to understand his concerns,” the statement added.
Rising Case Backlog
This incident highlights growing frustrations over delayed justice. The Judiciary, led by Chief Justice Martha Koome, has been facing criticism over the slow processing of cases.
As of May 2024, the Court of Appeal had 13,331 pending cases. A report released in November 2024 showed that pending cases across the Judiciary increased by 1.2%, rising from 625,643 to 649,310.
Efforts to Speed Up Justice
To address the backlog, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has pushed for changes to the Judicature Act. This includes increasing the number of judges to handle cases faster.
The Judiciary continues to face pressure to improve efficiency and ensure justice is served without unnecessary delays.
Judiciary Responds After Man Sets Himself on Fire Outside Supreme Court
