BUNGOMA, Kenya – A quest for justice ended in tragedy on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, when an elderly man died while waiting for his lawyer at the Bungoma Law Courts. The incident, confirmed in an official statement from the Judiciary, has cast a solemn shadow over the court precincts and raised questions about the experiences of vulnerable individuals within the legal system.
According to the report from Hon. Paul Ndemo, OGW, ‘ndc’ (K), the Judiciary Spokesperson, the man arrived at the court around 9:00 a.m. for a matter before the Environment and Land Court. He was visibly unwell and had to be carried into the compound on a motorcycle. Recognizing his frail condition, a Customer Care Officer promptly issued him a Priority Card.
The Priority Card is a key part of the Judiciary’s access to justice initiative, designed to provide expedited service to vulnerable groups. This includes the elderly, expectant mothers, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and those who are sick, ensuring they spend minimal time in the often crowded and stressful court environment.
Despite this accommodation, the man faced a common delay: his advocate had not yet arrived. He proceeded to wait outside with his brothers, lying down on the grass to rest. This is where the situation took a devastating turn. When a court official later approached to provide an update, the man was found unresponsive.
Police were immediately summoned to the scene. After processing the area, they confirmed the man’s unfortunate death. His body was moved to the Bungoma County Referral Hospital Morgue. Out of respect for the family, the man’s identity has not been released pending notification of his next of kin. The Judiciary has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family.
This tragic event at the Bungoma Law Courts highlights the very human challenges within the justice system. While the Priority Card system represents a proactive step toward protecting the vulnerable, this incident suggests its limitations when external factors like lawyer availability come into play. It prompts a sobering reflection on whether more can be done to ensure the safety and well-being of those who, despite illness or advanced age, come to the courts seeking resolution.
