A suspect who pleaded guilty to a charge of malicious damage to property caused a dramatic scene at Kangundo Law Courts after allegedly turning violent while waiting for his judgment, leaving police officers, court officials and court users stunned.
The suspect, whose identity has not been established, was reportedly being held inside a police Land Cruiser at the court compound when the incident unfolded.
He allegedly picked up a panga that was inside the vehicle and used it to smash the rear windscreen before turning the weapon on himself, cutting his hands and inflicting injuries on his body.
In the ensuing chaos, he also reportedly broke several bottles, injured one of his eyes and began shouting, attracting the attention of people at the court premises.
The situation escalated when the suspect allegedly gained access to the driver's area of the police vehicle, where he found a tear gas canister.
He is said to have thrown the canister towards court users as he protested what he described as being held for too long, insisting that he wanted to leave the premises.
The incident prompted police officers to call for reinforcement to contain the suspect and prevent further injuries or damage.
Officers eventually managed to restrain him and handcuff his hands behind his back before taking him to Kangundo Hospital for medical attention.
However, the suspect's behaviour reportedly continued to raise concern even after he was returned to Tala Police Station. He is said to have repeatedly banged his body against the walls, further complicating efforts to manage his condition.
A medical assessment reportedly indicated that the suspect was not fit to stand trial at the time, raising questions about when the court proceedings could resume. The suspect is also said to have removed the bandages placed on his body, including those covering the injured eye, despite the treatment he had received.
The unusual incident left court users and officials shocked, with the suspect's actions disrupting normal activities at the court compound and requiring additional police intervention.
It remains unclear what prompted the suspect's actions or whether a further medical assessment will be conducted to determine his fitness to participate in court proceedings.
The incident comes amid renewed attention to the safety of suspects, police officers and members of the public within court premises, particularly during the handling of individuals displaying violent or unpredictable behaviour.
