By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Chief Justice Martha Koome has ordered the Makadara Law Courts to stay closed until next Monday after the shooting of Principal Magistrate Monicah Kivuti on the court premises.
In a statement addressing the shocking incident, Justice Koome stated that the closure would facilitate enhanced security measures at the court.
All matters at the Makadara Law Courts will be heard virtually and those requiring physical appearance are mentioned at the Mlimani Law Courts.
The Judiciary together with the office of the Inspector General and connected NCAJ actors will review the security protocols regarding the handling of accused persons in the courtroom.
“The Court premises at Makadara Law Courts will 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 mentioned at the Milimani Law Courts,” says the statement.
The CJ condemned the act and called for urgent intervention to reinforce security in all court stations across the country.
“The safety of our judicial officers and the sanctity of our courtrooms are paramount. We will take all necessary measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur again,” CJ Koome said.
“A court orderly and two other officers who tried to remove the Magistrate from the scene and secure the courtroom also sustained gunshot wounds. It is clear that the intention of the perpetrator was to kill the Magistrate,” said Koome.
Read more: The Intention Of The Perpetrator Was To Kill The Magistrate: CJ Koome
Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, the OCS of Londiani Police Station, forcefully entered the courtroom and shot the Magistrate after she ordered his wife into custody for breaching her bond conditions.
The officer’s wife, 48-year-old Jenniffer Wairimu, faced charges of obtaining Ksh. 2.9 million through false pretences. The Magistrate, who was injured in the chest and pelvic area, was admitted to Metropolitan Hospital in Buru Buru.