The judiciary has strongly condemned the shooting incident involving a police officer and a magistrate at Makadara Law Courts on June 13, 2024.
Chief Registrar of Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya explained that during an open court session earlier on the said date, the Magistrate cancelled the bond for an accused person who had jumped bond and had failed to offer satisfactory explanations for jumping bond.
Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti was shot by Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, husband of accused, Jennifer Wairimu, 48, who is charged with obtaining Sh2.9 million by false pretences.
“Immediately after this decision was pronounced, a person shot at the magistrate and injured her on the hip,” explained Mokaya in a statement to newsrooms.
She explained that police officers at the scene responded and neutralised the shooter as the magistrate was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Mokaya said preliminary reports indicate that the shooter is a police officer who is married to the suspect, whose bond was cancelled.
“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,” she said.
She continued: “We urge calm from all court users as our law enforcement agencies further investigate this incident. We would also like to assure all judicial officers, staff, and court users of their safety and security on all our 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.”
Meanwhile, Chief Justice Martha Koome last evening announced the closure of the Makadara Law Courts until Monday, June 17, to reinforce security. She has directed that all matters be heard virtually, with those requiring physical appearance being transferred to Milimani Law Courts.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
