By Grace Gilo
A shooting incident occurred during a court session involving a police officer and a Magistrate at the Makadara Law Court on 13th June 2024.
The police officer, identified as Chief Inspector Samson Kipruto, shot the magistrate injuring her on the hip.
The police Officers at the scene responded and neutralized the shooter, and the Magistrate was promptly rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
The officer was at the court to attend the trial of his wife, Jennifer Warimu.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the shooter is a Police Officer who is married to the suspect, “read the statement in part from the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Winfridah Mokaya.
The officer’s wife was facing charges of obtaining money by false pretence amounting to Ksh.2.9 million.
Despite her plea for cash bail, the Makadara Law court did not grant it.
The officer was reportedly angered by the Magistrate’s decision to revoke the bond granted to his wife after she failed to offer satisfactory explanations for jumping the bond.
“During an open court session earlier today, the Magistrate cancelled the bond for an accused person who had jumped bond and had failed to offer satisfactory explanations for jumping bond,” stated the judiciary.
“Immediately this decision was pronounced, a person shot at the Magistrate and injured her on the hip,” stated the Judiciary registrar.
Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, 55 was shot and killed by his colleagues at the court soon after he had attacked and wounded the principal magistrate.
“As the Judiciary family, we wish our colleague a quick recovery. We also send our condolences to the family of the officer who lost his life in this unfortunate incident,” wrote the chief registrar of the judiciary.
The judiciary urged for calm as the law enforcement agencies investigated the incident further.
Additionally, they assured all judicial officers, staff, and court users of the safety and security of their premises.
“We will enhance our security protocols for civilians visiting our courts as well as security officers who visit courts in circumstances that do not require them to be armed,” noted the judiciary.
The Chief Justice, Martha Koome, has instructed that the court premises at Makadara Law Courts to remain closed until Monday 17th June 2024 for security reinforcement.
All matters at the Makadara Law Courts will be heard virtually and those requiring physical appearance mention will go to the Milimani Law Courts.
The Inspector General of police, Japhet Koome, has issued a statement on the incident and has reassured the Judiciary of the safety of all their Staff as they discharge their noble duty.
Read more:Police Specialized Teams to Investigate the Makadara Law Courts Shooting
“The National Police Service further reiterates its commitment to protect life and property of all Kenyans and the many foreign visitors alike,” reiterated IG Koome.