Nairobi, Kenya By Michael Wandati | A Kenyan magistrate, who was shot by a senior police officer earlier this week, has passed away, according to the country’s Chief Justice.
Justice Martha K. Koome announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti had succumbed to her “extensive injuries.”
Ms. Kivuti was shot by a policeman at a court in Nairobi on Thursday after she revoked his wife’s bail due to the woman’s absconding.
The officer, identified as Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, was subsequently shot dead by other officers responding to the incident.
Three officers were injured during the attack but are reported to be in stable condition.
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform the nation that Hon. Monica Kivuti, Principal Magistrate, Makadara Law Courts has lost the fight against the extensive injuries sustained during an open gun attack in Court,” said Justice Koome in a statement on Saturday 15, June 2024.
“The Judiciary family stands in solidarity during this deeply traumatic time and calls for sensitivity and compassion as we share in grief,” she added.
According to local media, citing a source at Nairobi Hospital, Ms. Kivuti passed away on Friday night after sustaining gunshot wounds to her chest and leg.
The Makadara Law Courts will remain closed until Monday 24, June 2024.
In a statement on Thursday, the national police service confirmed that Kipruto, who was in charge of a police station in Londiani, western Kenya, had been present in the court for “unknown reasons” during a hearing in the case of his wife. She was accused of receiving money “under false pretenses.”
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Justice Martha K. Koome stated that it was evident Kipruto had intended to kill Ms. Kivuti.
The courtroom shooting has deeply shocked Kenyans.
While the police have frequently faced allegations of involvement in extrajudicial killings, such an incident occurring inside a court is unprecedented.
Also Read: Kenyan police officer killed after shooting at magistrate in Nairobi court
The judiciary has pledged to enhance security measures, assuring judicial staff and court users of their safety.
The Law Society of Kenya released a statement describing the incident as “not an isolated event but part of a troubling trend of increasing threats and attacks against judicial officers and advocates.”
“Legal disputes can be highly emotive, and the risks to judicial officers and advocates cannot be understated.”
The society added that it would work with Justice Koome to “develop comprehensive strategies aimed at safeguarding our justice system and its practitioners.”
