The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has condemned the shooting of Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti. In a statement, the JSC expressed concern over the incident, describing it as appalling since it occurred at a place where disputes are resolved through legal processes, representing justice.
The Commission commended the police officers stationed at Makadara Law Courts for their swift response to the attack. Additionally, the JSC lauded the Judiciary’s prompt action in providing necessary support to staff and the National Police Service for securing the scene and commencing investigations.
The Commission assured all judges, judicial officers, staff, stakeholders, and the public of its commitment to ensuring safety at all court stations.
“The JSC will work with relevant agencies to enhance security in all courts and ensure that similar incidences do not happen again,” it said.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) wished Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti and the injured police officers a quick recovery. The JSC implored relevant security agencies to conduct thorough investigations to establish the circumstances leading to this unfortunate incident.
Kivuti was shot on Thursday by a police officer after delivering a ruling in a case involving the officer’s wife. The Judiciary stated that the magistrate had “cancelled the bond for an accused person who had jumped bond and had failed to offer satisfactory explanations for jumping bond.”
Immediately after this decision was pronounced, the officer shot the magistrate, injuring her on the hip.
Following the act of violence, Officer Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, who was in charge of a police station in Londiani, Kisumu, was shot dead.
A police report indicated that other officers in court responded immediately, resulting in three officers being injured. The magistrate and the injured officers are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
