Judicial officers in Garissa have called on the government to allocate more resources for the judiciary to build secured houses for all judicial officers in the country.
Led by the Garissa High Courts’ presiding Judge John Onyiego, the officers noted that while they are working with the security agencies to improve safety of all court users at the premises, it was also important to secure the officers for fear of attacks in their residential.
The officials were speaking on Tuesday during a memorial service held at the law courts in memory of the slain Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti.
“We are requesting the County Government to allocate us land for construction of houses for judicial officers and judges because we may be talking about one side of security and forget the other,” Onyiego said.
“We are going to have metal detectors at the gate. We will also liaise with the security agencies to advise us on how to handle the guns of those who will not be allowed to enter into court premises with them so that they are also secured at the entrance,” he added.
The presiding judge also urged the government to promote the police officers who risked their lives to save the magistrate, noting that they deserved state commendation for their heroic service.
The Garissa Township Sub County Police Commander Edward Imbwaga said that his team was in the process of evaluating security of courts with the intention of having the weak points sealed.
“We want judicial officers to perform their duties within a safe environment without being worried about their own security. It is a great loss to the judiciary, to the family and friends of the late Monica Kivuti,” Imbwaga said.
“To the judicial staff here and elsewhere in Kenya, do not fear. Continue dispensing your duties impartially without fear,” he added.
Officials from the office of the director of public prosecutions, the law society of Kenya, probation and prisons were also present during the memorial service.
By Erick Kyalo
