Inside Supreme Court Basement Cells Turned Museum; How to Visit for Free [PHOTOS]

From left: A chicken showcased at the Judiciary Museum, the Supreme Court Building and a sculpture of the Lady Justice balance scale on the wall of the museum at the Supreme Court Building in Nairobi County.
From left: A chicken showcased at the Judiciary Museum, the Supreme Court Building and a sculpture of the Lady Justice balance scale on the wall of the museum at the Supreme Court Building in Nairobi County.
Zakheem Rajan/ The Judiciary of Kenya

The Judiciary of Kenya on Tuesday, January 31, announced free entry to its museums based in the basement of Supreme Court building.

In a notice, the Judiciary noted that the museum was open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm every working day.

Notably, the museum once served as a prison cell for political detainees. The cells were converted into the Museum to tell the history of the judiciary.

The prison cells were 12 and were reserved for capital offenders from Kamiti Prison

A painting on the wall of the museum based at the Supreme Court building in Nairobi County.
A painting on the wall of the museum based at the Supreme Court building in Nairobi County.
Zakheem Rajan

"The facility located in the Eastern wing of the Supreme Court Building basement, which is one of its kind in East Africa and beyond, showcases the rich history of the Judiciary.

"It was inspired by the need to open up the Judiciary to the public in line with Pillar 1 of the Judiciary Transformation Framework on People-Centredness and Public Engagement," the Judiciary stated on its website.

Among the items showcased in the museum include some of those that were used by the courts in the past such as the seat of judges.

Also included are the sculptures of Kenya's Chief Justices and their history.

Carvings of previous Chief Justices who have served in Kenya, on display at the Judiciary Museum of Kenya.
Carvings of previous Chief Justices who have served in Kenya, on display at the Judiciary Museum of Kenya.
File

On the walls hangs a painting that tells the story of some of the significant events in the country.

Some of the notable Kenyans honoured on the walls include former Vice President Jaramogi Odinga, his son and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Wangari Mathai, and Reverend Timothy Njoya.

Also included are the trial papers that were used in charging freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi. The files were previously stored in London

How to Visit

To access the museum one is required to visit the Supreme Court building within the stipulated time.

One will also be required to access the building through the fountain gate where the entrance is located.

Freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi's trial papers showcased at the museum at the Supreme Court.
Freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi's trial papers showcased at the museum at the Supreme Court.
Zakheem Rajan
Judiciary Museum wall showing paintings of the late Jomo Kenyatta
Judiciary Museum wall showing paintings of the late Jomo Kenyatta
File
Detainment cells that were used to hold capital offenders from Kamiti Prison at the Supreme Court.
Detainment cells that were used to hold capital offenders from Kamiti Prison at the Supreme Court.
Zakheem Rajan
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