By Jehoshaphat Kanyoro Njaro
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has reassured all judicial officers of their safety following the tragic killing of Makadara Law Courts’ Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti.
Magistrate Kivuti was fatally shot in the chest and pelvic area by Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, the OCS of Londiani police station, during a court session on June 13, 2024.
She succumbed to her injuries later at Nairobi Hospital.In a statement released on Monday, IG Koome emphasized that the National Police Service (NPS) is committed to ensuring the safety of all judicial officers, including Chief Justice Martha Koome.
He highlighted the role of the NPS Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) and the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) Unit in providing security for court buildings and other critical infrastructure.
Koome stated, “Police stations assign protective safety and security duties to all courts nationwide.”
The security measures for judicial officers were strengthened in 2021 with the establishment of the Judiciary Police Unit, aimed at securing judicial staff and ensuring their safety.
IG Koome also extended his condolences to Kivuti’s family and wished a swift recovery to the two officers injured during the incident.In response to the tragedy, the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) and Kenya Judiciary Staff Association (KJSA) announced a suspension of all judicial services from June 19-24, 2024.
They stated that this suspension could be extended if necessary, pending appropriate action.
The associations are calling for robust measures to ensure the safety of judges and have recommended several steps, including banning the wearing of masks and hoodies by suspects in courtrooms.
They noted that Kivuti’s case is part of a concerning pattern of judges being attacked in courtrooms, underscoring the urgent need for improved security measures.