Man Sets Himself on Fire Outside Supreme Court in Protest Over Delayed Justice
A shocking incident unfolded outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday, March 11, when a man set himself on fire in protest over a prolonged court case. The unidentified individual, who sustained severe burn injuries, is currently receiving medical treatment, while authorities work to establish the exact circumstances that led to his drastic action.
Following the incident, the Judiciary issued an official statement confirming that the man was allegedly protesting the delays in his court case. Reports indicate that he was carrying documents and a bottle of flammable liquid, which he used to douse himself before igniting the fire.
“Today at about 9:30 am, a man, whose identity has not been conclusively established, while walking along City Hall Way, stopped outside the Supreme Court building. He was carrying some documents and a bottle with a liquid,” the Judiciary stated. “While standing on the street pavement, he placed the documents on the ground, doused himself in the liquid believed to be petrol, and pulled out a lighter, setting himself on fire.”
Swift Rescue Efforts
Security officers stationed at the Supreme Court reacted immediately, rushing to extinguish the flames and prevent further harm. The Nairobi County Government emergency team joined the effort, and the man was swiftly transported to Kenyatta National Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Authorities have since launched an investigation to determine the details of his legal grievances and whether they directly relate to a case within the court system.
“The Judiciary is taking a keen interest in the matter, with a view to establishing if his drastic action could be linked to a court case,” the statement added.
Concerns Over Judiciary Case Backlog
This alarming incident comes amid rising public frustration over Kenya’s judicial system, which has been grappling with an overwhelming case backlog. As of May 2024, the Court of Appeal recorded 13,331 pending cases, contributing to widespread discontent over delayed rulings. A report released in November 2024 showed that the overall backlog had increased by 1.2%, bringing the total number of pending cases across the Judiciary from 625,643 to 649,310.
The backlog is particularly severe in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Magistrates’ Courts, and Small Claims Court, where many Kenyans await justice. Critics have pointed fingers at slow judicial processes, inadequate staffing, and limited resources as contributing factors to the growing delays.
Judiciary’s Response to the Crisis
In response to mounting pressure, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has been advocating for amendments to the Judicature Act to expand the number of judges across the country. The move aims to speed up case resolutions and improve access to justice.
The Judiciary has also been implementing digital case management systems to streamline processes and reduce delays. However, with public frustration escalating, the latest incident underscores the urgency for comprehensive judicial reforms.
As investigations continue, the Judiciary has urged Kenyans to seek peaceful avenues for addressing grievances rather than resorting to extreme measures. Meanwhile, authorities are appealing to the public for information that could help uncover the full details behind the man’s protest.
In other news:Form Four Student Flees After Fatally Stabbing Uncle Over Food Dispute
Man Sets Himself on Fire Outside Supreme Court in Protest Over Delayed Justice