Chief Justice David Maraga has shut down Githongo Law Court in Imenti Central, Meru, for 14 days after five suspects tested positive for coronavirus.
In a letter to the Githongo Law Court committee and staff seen by the Star, the five are said to have appeared last week and had physical contact with some court staffers.
“Five accused persons who appeared before Githongo law courts last week have tested positive for Covid-19. The Judiciary leadership after consultation with Court Users Committee of Githongo Law Courts as well as the Ministry of Health, has taken necessary steps to suspend physical court operations,” Maraga said in the letter.
The CJ said the closure will allow staffers to self-quarantine and get tested before resumption of court operations.
“Githongo law courts shall be closed for 14 days with effect from July 30. This will enable all members of staff to self-quarantine. The head of Githongo law courts shall issue directions on handling of urgent matters and those that will be affected by the closure,” Maraga said.
Kariuki Edwin, who is in charge at the law courts, told the Star they have already received the internal memo demanding closure of the operations.
“The five were all inmates from Kariene police station. They tested positive on Tuesday last week,” Kariuki said.
Meru Public Health director John Inanga told the Star one person who was receiving treatment at Meru Covid-19 Unit passed on.
Inanga also regreted that some Meru residents are ignoring the Ministry of Health guidelines, exposing themselves to the dangers of the virus.
He said social distancing is not being observed in matatus and on boda bodas but warned police will start arresting those contravening the guidelines.
“People have to won to change their behavior to curb virus spread,” Inanga said.