The judiciary has confirmed an accidental shooting at Bungoma Law Courts on Tuesday morning, September 16, 2025, leaving five people injured.

According to the official report, the incident occurred at 10:50 am during the hearing of a criminal matter in the High Court when a firearm belonging to a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer discharged unexpectedly.

“At 10:50 am, during the hearing of a criminal matter in the High Court, a DCI officer’s firearm accidentally discharged a bullet, injuring him, a Kenya Prisons officer, and three civilians,” Judiciary spokesperson Paul Ndemo said.

The DCI has identified the officer as Police Constable Cornellious Murey. In its statement, the agency confirmed that the officer’s Ceska pistol discharged a single round which ricocheted and caused injuries.

“The ricochet resulted in minor injuries to several individuals, including a prison officer who sustained an injury to the chin, three civilians and the DCI officer himself,” the DCI said.

The victims were rushed to Bungoma Referral Hospital and are said to be in fair condition.

The judiciary stressed that no fatalities occurred and reassured court users of their safety.

“All five were rushed to Bungoma Referral Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. They are all reported to be in stable condition. There were no serious injuries or fatalities,” the spokesperson noted.

“All court officials as well as members of the public at the court are safe, and there is therefore no need for alarm.” Security officials from the county visited the court soon after the incident to assess the situation.

DCI, IPOA probe incident

The DCI said it is working with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Judiciary to investigate the matter.

“The DCI is collaborating with IPOA and the Judiciary in the investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm. Further, appropriate measures will be taken in accordance with the Service Standing Orders to ensure accountability and address any potential lapses,” the statement added.

Although this case has been described as accidental, it recalls the 2024 tragedy at Nairobi’s Makadara Law Courts, where Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti was fatally shot by a police officer in open court. That case prompted widespread concern and tighter security measures in judicial stations.

While the Bungoma incident was less severe, both the Judiciary and the DCI have stressed their commitment to ensuring the safety of the public in court environments.

“The judiciary will keep the public informed on the matter,” Ndemo concluded.