Runyenjes Law Courts closed after 8 staff members test positive for COVID-19

Acting Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu has ordered the closure of Runyenjes Law Courts for seven days after eight staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

Mwilu, in a statement released on Wednesday, said the 8 out of 18 Judiciary personnel at the court have since been sent into self-isolation in accordance with Ministry of Health protocols.

Ministry of Health officials in the area visited the court on Tuesday to assess the situation and thereafter recommended that the premises be temporarily closed.

They also recommended that all staff self-isolate within the period of closure and undergo further screening for COVID-19 while the court premises are disinfected and fumigated.

“In light of the abovementioned developments, the recommendations from Ministry of Health officials in Embu County, the Court User’s Committee at Runyenjes Law Courts, and upon consultation with the Presiding Judge of the High Court at Embu, we have arrived at the considered decision to temporarily close Runyenjes Law Courts for a period of seven (7) days from today, Wednesday 14’h April 2021,” read the statement.

“The closure will enable all personnel at the station test for COVID-19 and self-isolate pursuant to Ministry of Health Covid-19 protocols, facilitate the required disinfection and fumigation exercise, and contribute towards breaking the chain of transmission.”

Acting CJ Mwilu further added that, during the period of closure, all urgent matters for Runyenjes Law Courts shall be directed to Embu and Kerugoya Law Courts.