President William Ruto has called on the police to ensure the protection of judicial officers, emphasizing that incidents like the shooting of Makadara Principal Magistrate Monicah Kivuti must never recur.
Magistrate Kivuti tragically succumbed to gunshot wounds after a senior police officer opened fire in an open court in Makadara, also injuring three other officers.
The Officer Commanding Police Station in Kisumu County was shot dead on the spot by fellow officers during the incident.
President Ruto strongly condemned the actions of police officers who misuse their authority by turning their guns on the very individuals they are tasked with protecting.
He insisted that any threats or harm to judicial officers are unacceptable and must be prevented.
“I join the family, friends and the judicial fraternity in mourning the tragic death of Honourable Monica Kivuti who was serving as the Principal Magistrate of the Makadara Courts,” President Ruto posted on his X account on Monday.
“The confrontation, threats or attacks of any form against judicial officers is unacceptable, criminal and an affront to the rule of law.”
The president said that the police exists to assure Kenyans of reliable security.
“Under no circumstances should they abandon this essential obligation or ever turn from their duty of protection and become threats to the safety and security of the people,” he said.
He said what happened to Kivuti is unacceptable and should never happen again.
“I ask the police to ensure the safety of our judicial officers at all times as they discharge their duties. We have lost a firm and hardworking judicial professional who served Kenyans with dedication. She still had a lot to offer to our country,” the President said.
“I pray that the Almighty God grants you strength to bear this loss, and comfort you with divine solace,” he said.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has directed that all Judiciary flags be flown at half-mast in honor of Magistrate Monicah Kivuti.
Magistrate Kivuti was tragically shot on Thursday afternoon at the Makadara Law Courts and succumbed to her injuries on Friday night at Nairobi Hospital.
In a statement issued on Saturday, CJ Koome stated, “The Judiciary flag will fly at half-mast from today (Saturday) across all court stations until Hon Kivuti is laid to rest.” This directive is a mark of respect and mourning for Magistrate Kivuti, recognizing her service and the tragic circumstances of her death.
