By Grace Gilo
The Inspector General (IG) of police, Japhet Koome, has re-assured the Hon. Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Martha Koome, of the safety and security of judicial staff while discharging their official mandate.
“This remains a matter of priority to the Service,” the IG assured.
This follows the tragic loss of the Makadara Law Courts’ Principal Magistrate, Hon. Monica Kivuti who succumbed to gunshot wounds inflicted by a police officer on June 13, 2024, at the Makadara Law Courts.
Over the years, the National Police Service (NPS) has been at the forefront of providing security to the Judiciary Officers throughout the Country.
“Police stations assign protective safety and security duties to all Courts countrywide,” stated the IG.
IG Koome acknowledged the Police Court Orderlies for their swift action in containing the Makadara shooting incident on that fateful day including the neutralization of the perpetrator.
NPS Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) and the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) Unit continue to provide security to Court buildings among other critical infrastructure.
The head of police further stated that the establishment of the Judiciary Police Unit in 2021 to provide comprehensive security to the Judiciary is part of the stringent and long-term measures that the Service has taken to enhance efficiency in securing the Judicial Staff.
“As a Service, we sincerely condole with the family of the late Hon. Kivuti and the Judiciary, and wish a quick recovery to our two Officers injured on that fateful day,” IG Koome condoled.
Recognizing the complexity and evolving nature of crimes, the Inspector General reiterated that the National Police Service would remain committed to working with the Judiciary and the National Council on Administration of Justice to bolster the security of the Judicial staff and Court Users.