By Peter Ochieng
Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome is ‘up in arms over meagre financial allocations’ to the Judiciary, every financial year.
In a statement on Monday, Koome regretted that their previous calls for allocation of enough resources to the judiciary, directed to the executive and parliament have been met by a ‘deafening silence.’
“This goal is yet to be fully realised. In appreciation of these gaps, we will not expose Judiciary personnel to insecurity risks and will ensure that security, especially where infrastructure is inadequate, is not compromised,” said the CJ.
She said that going forward, judicial services will no longer be rendered in open or makeshift structures. “Going forward, judicial services will no longer be rendered in makeshift structures.”
Her statement was issued on the backdrop of the shooting of Makadara Law Courts Principal Magistrate, Monica Kivuti, during an open and active court session on Thursday last week.
Kivuti died on Friday night while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital, after being shot by Chief Inspector of Police Samson Kipruto, after he was reportedly angered by the magistrate’s move to cancel bond terms for his wife. The officer was neutralised by his colleagues who were in court.
The wife, Jennipher Wairimu, is facing charges of obtaining Sh2.9 million by false pretence. The bail terms were cancelled after she ‘jumped bond.’
President Ruto, through a post on his social media platforms directed police officers across the country to ensure that Judicial officers are well protected.
“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 Ruto said.
“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. The confrontation, threats or attacks of any form against judicial officers is unacceptable, criminal and an affront to the rule of law.”
Koome ordered all courts to continue operations except Makadara Law Courts, adding that any lapse that might lead to lawlessness and anarchy would be contrary to what Kivuti stood for.