Chief Justice Martha Koome has shared a heartfelt message to the family of the slain Makadara Magistrate Monica Kivuti.
Speaking on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, CJ Koome assured the family of the magistrate who was shot in the line of duty that the Judiciary will support them in time of grief.
“To the family, friends, and relatives of Monica Kivuti, we cannot fully grasp your pain and grief, but I assure you that we will walk with you all the way. We will be there for you as an institution and assure you of our love and support,” CJ Koome’s message to the family read in part.
While addressing mourners, the President of the Apex court added that the tragic shooting incident has also taken a toll on other Judicial officers. She noted that most judicial officers will take time to overcome the grief.
However, Koome assured the country that the judicial officers will come out strong and resilient.
“It will take time to recover, to undo the damage, and to heal the wounds and pain caused by this heinous act. But I am sure that our resilience will enable us overcome this cowardly attack and emerge even stronger.
“To our Judges, Judicial Officers, Judiciary Staff, our Court Users, and Members of the public, I want to reassure you that the Judiciary Leadership and the Judicial Service Commission are acutely aware of the security concerns that Judiciary,” she stated.
Immediate actions
Following the incident, Koome announced that the Judiciary would use the available resources to bolster security on various courts across the country.
Koome added that the Judiciary leadership team will then engage the Executive and the National Treasury to ensure that the court’s infrastructure meets the required standard.
“Dispensation of justice and are taking the necessary measures to address these concerns. We are taking immediate steps to ensure the safety of our court premises, especially to protect our Judges, Judicial Officers, and staff in the course of their duties.
“The Judiciary will work on boosting security across all court stations using available resources. Meanwhile, the Judiciary leadership will engage the Executive and Parliament to secure additional resources,” CJ Koome added.
Ruto’s message
On Monday, June 17, 2024, President William Ruto mourned the death of Makadara Principal Magistrate Kivuti who succumbed to gunshot wounds after a senior police officer opened fire at an open court.
In a statement, the Head of State urged the police to protect judicial officers, saying what happened to Kivuti was unacceptable and “must not happen again”.
“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,” Ruto stated.
He said the police are there to provide Kenyans with 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 added.
Before you go…how about joining our vibrant Telegram and WhatsApp channels for hotter stories?
Telegram: https://t.me/k24tvdigital
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaKQnFUIXnljs50pC32O
