Chief Justice Martha Koome has issued new directives on the operations of courts nationwide following the Makadara Law Courts shooting incident that led to the loss of two lives.
Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti succumbed to gunshot injuries she had sustained in the incident.
CJ Koome on Monday, June 17, 2024, issued a statement directing that the courts will remain operational as from Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Kivuti’s commitment
Koome says the best way to honour the late Kivuti’s commitment to the rule of law is by continuing to offer services in adherence to the constitution.
“Kivuti was a gallant officer who died protecting the rule of law, holding court in a tent and over lunch hour. The best way we can honour her commitment is by continuing to provide services in adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law,” CJ Koome said in her statement.
According to Koome, any lapse that might lead to lawlessness and anarchy would be contrary to what Kivuti stood for.
“Any lapse that might lead to lawlessness and anarchy would be contrary to what Hon. Kivuti stood for. We are committed to honouring her dedication to justice by following her example,” she said.
Makadara Court remains closed
CJ Koome directed all courts nationwide to continue with their operations as from Wednesday, 19, 2024, throughout the week, except for Makadara Law Courts which she says is still under re-evaluation for security purposes.
“Consequently, courts nationwide will proceed with their operations on Wednesday, 19th; Thursday, 20th; and Friday, 21st; except for Makadara Law Courts, which is under re-evaluation for security purposes,” Koome says.
She further stated that judges, judicial officers and staff will utilize virtual courts and secured permanent courts as needed.
She says she had spoken to Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome who assured her of security enhancement in court premises across the country.
“I have spoken with the Inspector General of Police, who has assured that security in our court premises and for judges and judicial officers nationwide has been enhanced. Despite these assurances, we will continue to engage internally and with other relevant government agencies and stakeholders to comprehensively address identified security gaps,” CJ Koome said.
Communique from the desk of the Chief Justice. pic.twitter.com/uJ8ymLKGAC
— The Judiciary Kenya (@Kenyajudiciary) June 17, 2024
Koome had earlier on declared Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the day of mourning for the Judiciary following the death of the Makadara Principal Magistrate.
Kivuti died at the Nairobi Hospital on Friday, June 14, 2024, where she was transferred for specialised care after the shooting incident.
Go-slow by Judiciary staff
Koome’s statement comes hours after judges, magistrates and kadhis gave a go-slow notice.
Through their respective associations in a joint press conference on Saturday, June 15, 2024, announced that they would not be working from Wednesday, June 19, 2024, to protest poor working conditions.
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