Milimani Law courts temporarily closed after staff tests positive for Covid-19

The Milimani Law courts will remain closed to the public for the next fourteen days effective tomorrow, Thursday.

This is a directive from Chief Justice David Maraga, after one member of staff tested positive to Covid-19.

Judiciary has also reported that several members of staff have been experiencing symptoms likened to the novel coronavirus in the last week or so.

“One member of staff has subsequently tested positive for Covid-19,” a statement from the CJ’s office read in part.

It continued further that the infected staff member had been in contact with others.

“The leadership of the Judiciary has in consultation with the Ministry of Health taken the necessary steps to suspend physical court operations. This will enable all members of staff at Milimani Court to self-quarantine and get tested before resumption of duties,” it read.

All court activities will now be handled online. “Respective Heads of Division and Courts will issue directions on the handling of matters that will be affected by the closure,” CJ Maraga said.

This comes in the wake of courts closure across the country over the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week, Nairobi’s Makadara Law court was also temporarily closed after two of its employees tested positive for Covid-19.

All staff were directed to proceed on self-quarantine as the court premises were fumigated to curb further spread of the disease.

Another 11 judiciary staff tested positive for the disease at the Mombasa Law court, prompting its immediate closure.

In June, a report by the Ministry of Health warned that courts were becoming coronavirus hotspots, with the number of open court sessions exposing more people to Covid-19.

This prompted the Chief Justice to close Mombasa courts and order that all matters be heard virtually.