Nairobi, Kenya — In a dramatic and deeply unsettling incident, a man set himself on fire outside the Supreme Court of Kenya on Tuesday morning, allegedly over frustrations with delayed justice.
The Judiciary has since launched an investigation into the matter, seeking to determine if his actions were linked to an unresolved court case.
According to Judiciary Spokesperson Paul Ndemo, authorities will question the man once he is medically stable to establish the reasons behind his shocking act.
“It is expected that once the man is treated and out of danger, the police will interrogate him to reveal the cause of his drastic action,” Ndemo stated in an official statement.
“Meanwhile, the Judiciary is taking a keen interest in the matter to determine whether his decision was tied to a legal issue.”
While the man’s identity remains unconfirmed, initial reports suggest he was carrying some documents when he arrived at City Hall Way near the Supreme Court building around 9:30 a.m.
Moments later, he doused himself in a flammable liquid—believed to be petrol—and set himself on fire using a lighter.
A man set himself on fire outside the Supreme Court in Nairobi over what he termed as delayed justice. The victim sustained serious burns following the Tuesday (March 11) morning incident. #starkenyanews
Swift Response From Security Officers
Witnesses say security officers stationed at the Supreme Court gate reacted immediately, rushing to extinguish the flames and rescue the man.
Despite their efforts, he sustained serious burns before help arrived.
“The Nairobi County Government was contacted to dispatch an ambulance, and the police at KICC were informed,” Ndemo confirmed.
“Officers transported him to Kenyatta National Hospital for urgent medical attention.”
Authorities also collected the man’s charred clothing and documents for further examination. However, details regarding the contents of the papers have not yet been disclosed.
Man sets himself on fire outside Supreme Court; Judiciary Spokesperson Paul Ndemo says officers put out flames before victim was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital.
Larger Concerns Over Justice Delays
While incidents of self-immolation are rare in Kenya, this act has ignited a broader conversation about frustrations within the judicial system.
Delayed rulings and prolonged court proceedings have long been a pain point for many Kenyans seeking justice.
This case also raises questions about mental health support and the legal system’s role in addressing grievances before they escalate into extreme actions.
The Judiciary has expressed sympathy for the man, wishing him a speedy recovery while emphasizing its commitment to investigating the circumstances that led to his desperate act.