Judicial services in Kikuyu are resuming operations just four months after the local Law Courts were destroyed by arsonists during nationwide protests. The return to normalcy is credited to a collaborative rebuilding effort spearheaded by the local business community and area churches.
The court premises became a target in June, when angry demonstrators set the structure ablaze. The resulting destruction of crucial files—which held details of pending cases—left countless litigants unable to pursue their matters through the legal system.
Following the official handover of the restored section to the Judiciary, Duke Mainye, the Administrative Officer in charge of the Law Court, detailed the operational constraints faced during the displacement.
“While temporarily operating from the Kikuyu Police Station, we were unable to handle certain proceedings due to their sensitive nature,” Mr. Mainye explained. “I extend my profound gratitude to the business community and the churches here for their intervention. Their unwavering support was fundamental to achieving this milestone.”
Area Member of County Assembly (MCA), James Kamau, praised the community’s rapid response, noting it prevented a potentially detrimental relocation of the court.
“Initial discussions included plans to move the court to Kabete or Lari,” MCA Kamau revealed. “Such a move would have severely impacted the residents of Kikuyu. The timely mobilization by local stakeholders proved essential in containing the situation and ensuring the court remains readily accessible.”
Anthony Muhindi, Chairperson of the Kikuyu Business Community, used the occasion to appeal to the Judiciary for further action. He urged the institution to now take responsibility for repairing the remaining damaged parts of the court, emphasizing that a fully functional facility is required to guarantee public access to fair justice delivery.
The successful, community-driven restoration effort marks a crucial step toward fully restoring judicial functions in the area.
