National Association of Kenya Auctioneers (NAKA) have strongly condemned the shooting of Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti and demanded enhanced security for judicial officers.
Kivuti was shot by Londiani OCS Inspector Samson Kipruto in the chest and left hip during a live court session. Still, she passed away on Friday, June 14, at 11:00 pm while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital.
According to a police statement released on Thursday, June 13, the 55-year-old OCS shot at Magistrate Kivuti who had declined a request to release his wife through cash bail.
The accused, identified as Jeniffer Kabiru, faced charges for obtaining money by pretense amounting to Ksh2.9 million. Further, police stated that two other officers who tried to remove the Magistrate from the scene and secure the courtroom also sustained gunshot wounds.
NAKA through their chairperson Maurice Osundwa have castigated the attack and further called on such rulings to be done virtually to avoid such cases.
“We condemn the shooting of Makadara principal Magistrate and demand for enhanced security to judicial officers,” read part of the statement signed by Osundwa, adding: “Where possible let rulings and judgments be delivered virtually.
“We support the establishment of a judiciary police unit of competent officers to deal with the security of our court systems and judicial officers. As law-abiding citizens, we must protect the wheels of justice. Court decisions are not final and can be appealed against, whenever one feels dissatisfied.
“We appeal to our law enforcement officers to kindly note that the trust bestowed on you is enormous and act with sobriety. The weapon you carry is to protect citizens and not to be turned against innocent Kenyans. Every life matters.”
Following the incident, CJ Koome ordered that the Makadara Law Courts remain closed until Monday, June 17 for security reinforcement.
