By Grace Gilo
The Chief Justice (CJ), Martha Koome, has strongly condemned the shooting incident at the Makadara Law Courts where a senior police officer shot Principal Magistrate, Hon. Monicah Kivuti.
The President of the Supreme Court has called upon the national security agencies to respond to the occurrence with utmost urgency and sensitivity.
Chief Inspector Samson Kipruto, the police officer involved, had accompanied his wife, who was the accused, to Court for charges of obtaining by false pretences.
Prior to her appearance in Court on 13th June 2024, the accused, Jennifer Wairimu, had absconded appearance severally having been released on bond indicating that she had been unwell.
The court ordered a probation report and remanded the accused in custody pending the provision of the report.
The perpetrator forcibly entered the Court through the Magistrate’s entrance and fired shots at Hon. Kivuti injuring her severally on the chest and pelvic area.
A court orderly and two other officers who tried to assist 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,” stated the Supreme Court President.
“Hon. Monicah Kivuti, PC Augustine Michael Kithumbi, PC Maureen Lepes and PC Eunice Macharia are receiving treatment and are all in stable condition,” noted CJ Koome.
The Chief Justice further directed the Judiciary Police Unit in collaboration with the Office of the Inspector General, to reinforce security in all Court Stations across the country and ensure that persons are not armed when accessing court premises except the properly accredited officers to provide security at specified court stations.
“The Judiciary together with the Office of Inspector General and connected NCAJ actors will review the security protocols regarding handling of accused persons in the courtroom,” Koome instructed.
She further reiterated that the Judiciary Security Committee would also work with the Judiciary Infrastructure and Building Committee and the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary to ensure that all Judiciary infrastructure meets international standards for the security of Judges, Judicial Officers and staff.
“We continue to call upon the National Assembly and the National Treasury to prioritize adequate funding to facilitate the development of appropriate court infrastructure across the country,” the chief justice stated.
“The Office of the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary will prioritize financial resources towards implementation of these measures,” she assured.
Targeted security training will also be provided to officers deployed to the Judiciary and serving members of the public in registries and other court functions.
The Executive Director of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) will convene an urgent meeting of the NCAJ Council to discuss factors leading to this tragic incident and to adopt measures to avert any future threats.
The CJ expressed gratitude to the gallant officers who responded to the attack and were injured in the process and assured the public that security across the Judiciary will remain a priority and will be reinforced to protect the sanctity of courtrooms and the rights of Kenyans to access justice.
“We also wish the injured officers quick and full recovery and convey our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased perpetrator,” Koome expressed.