Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu arrived at the Annual Judges Colloquium wearing an arm sling, sparking concern among the public about her well-being.
An insider privy to the developments, and who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke on condition of anonymity, stated that Mwilu had a minor accident, that necessitated medical attention.
However, the DCJ was recuperating well, according to the source, who declined to divulge more information due to the sensitivity of DCJ Mwilu's role.
Kenyans.co.ke had sought to find out the nature of the accident, when it occurred and how many days the doctor recommended Mwilu wears the arm sling.
Mwilu was the highest-ranking Judiciary official at the event, in the absence of her boss, Chief Justice Martha Koome.
The theme of the 2023 event is the Judiciary’s role in realising the social transformation promise of the 2010 Constitution.
While making her speech at the event held at Whitesands, Mombasa, Mwilu called upon all personnel within the Judiciary to live up to the transformational ideals for the administration of justice as framed by the Constitution.
"As always I look forward to this activity as it is an invaluable opportunity to reengage, consult, learn and exchange ideas towards improving ourselves personally and professionally in the exercise of our solemn duty," she stated.
"I am delighted that the Judiciary has put together a programme through which we shall, over the next few days, interrogate and discuss these multiple aspects of social transformation through access to justice."
The DCJ was accompanied by Anne Amadi, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Macharia Njeru, Judicial Service Commissioner and Vice Chair, and Supreme Court Judge Smokin Wanjala, among others.
Mwilu, who deputizes Chief Justice Martha Koome, performs administrative and judicial functions in the CJ's absence.
She also acts as the Vice-President of the Supreme Court and exercises the office's functions and duties as assigned by CJ Koome.
Arm Slings
Common reasons for wearing an arm sling are injuries to the shoulder, elbow, arm, or wrist, fractures and shoulder surgery.
An arm sling supports a patient's forearm by reducing the movement of an injured arm or shoulder.
Other slings, also referred to as immobilizers, comprise a strap that goes around your waist to hold your arm against your body. In DCJ Mwilu's case, she had an immobilizer which was wrapped around her waist. She then used her injured arm to hold onto the strap to reduce movement.
It was unclear whether an occupational therapist customised her sling or was a ready-made one purchased from a pharmacy.
Other types of arm slings are the classic (also called broad or standard), which keeps your arm bent and supported in front of your body, with your wrist a little higher than your elbow. This sling is commonly used for broken bones and sprains.
A high arm or shoulder sling is like a standard arm sling but keeps your arm higher. This type of sling is more common for shoulder injuries because it’s designed to prevent your shoulder from moving and keep it protected while healing.
A collar and cuff sling goes around your neck and wrist, keeping it elevated. It’s sometimes recommended for shoulder or elbow injuries but is often used for injured or dislocated collarbones.
During the period of immobilization, doctors advise patients to avoid strenuous activities and release the arm from the sling occasionally, as keeping it in one position for too long can worsen the situation.
