BUNGOMA, Kenya – The Judiciary has announced the death of an elderly man who collapsed and died within the precincts of the Bungoma Law Courts, moments before attending a court session.
According to a statement from Judiciary spokesperson Paul Ndemo, the incident occurred at around 9 a.m. as the man, who appeared visibly unwell, was brought to the court compound on a motorcycle by relatives.
Recognizing his frail condition, a Customer Care Officer promptly issued him a Priority Card, which allows elderly persons, persons with disabilities (PWDs), expectant mothers, and the sick to receive expedited service in court.
The system is part of the Judiciary’s efforts to ease access to justice for vulnerable court users.
The man, whose name has been withheld pending notification of his family, reportedly had a matter before the Environment and Land Court.
After arriving at the premises, he informed officials that he would wait for his advocate outside and proceeded to lie on the grass alongside his brothers.
Moments later, a court official who went to update him on his case found him unresponsive. Police officers were immediately called to the scene and confirmed that the man had passed away. His body was later moved to the Bungoma County Referral Hospital Morgue.
“The Judiciary extends its condolences to his family,” read part of the statement signed by Hon. Ndemo, who expressed regret over the sudden loss.
Court operations continued later in the morning as staff and litigants came to terms with the tragedy. Judiciary officers described the man as “elderly and visibly unwell” when he arrived.
The incident has drawn attention to the accessibility of court facilities for vulnerable groups and the need for enhanced medical response mechanisms within court stations across the country.
Legal aid volunteers in Bungoma have urged the Judiciary to consider deploying standby medical personnel in busy courts to assist ailing litigants.
“Many court users, especially the elderly, travel long distances to attend hearings. Having basic medical assistance available could save lives,” said advocate Peter Wekesa, who was at the court during the incident.
The deceased’s family is expected to be notified formally before burial arrangements commence.
