Kericho Law Courts remain closed two months after the Acting Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu ordered the temporary closure citing structural defects.
Speaking on Thursday at the swearing in ceremony of the new Kericho County Deputy Governor Lily Chepngetich Ngok, Kericho High court Judge Asenath Ongeri confirmed that the Law Courts premises remain closed until further notice.
Justice Ongeri however said that the judiciary was doing its best to acquire new state of art Law Courts that will be safe for the public. In the meantime, she gave her assurance that the Kericho Judiciary continues to preside over cases from their temporary premises.
“We cannot do without justice as it is our shield and defender and that is why we need a place urgently to put up the state of art courts, so that we can preside over cases comfortably,” said Justice Ongeri.
Kericho law courts were closed on March 5, 2021 after the National Building Institute (NBI) condemned the buildings and ordered its occupants to vacate.
In a statement to newsrooms, the acting CJ said the courts’ structural deficiencies caused by modifications undertaken on the building in 2014 rendered the entire building unsafe for its occupation and with that, the Judiciary prioritizes, above all, the safety and security of its staff and other court users.
“An investigation report highlighted structural flaws arising from modifications undertaken on the building in 2014. The investigation report was forwarded to the Judiciary on March 3, 2021, with directions that the building be vacated as a matter of urgency to avert a potential disaster,” Mwilu said.
The most affected court includes the High Court, Resident Magistrates Court, Employment and Labour Relations, and Environment and Land Court.
By Dominic Cheres and Kibe Mburu
