KENYAN President William Ruto has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of Magistrate Monica Kivuti in an open court, warning that attacks against judicial officers ‘should not happen again.’ The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has been described as ‘tragic’ and ‘unacceptable’ by the President.
In a tribute posted on his X account on Monday, President Ruto expressed his condolences: ‘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.’
Magistrate Kivuti was shot after she denied a bail request for a police officer’s wife. The shooter, whose identity has not been disclosed, was subsequently shot and killed by other police officers at the scene. Chief Justice Martha Koome announced on Saturday that Kivuti had succumbed to her injuries.
‘Under no circumstances should they (police) abandon this essential obligation or ever turn from their duty of protection and become threats to the safety and security of the people. What happened to Hon. Kivuti is unacceptable; it should never happen again,’ President Ruto emphasised.
Three other officers were injured in the incident. In response to the tragedy, Chief Justice Martha Koome directed that all judiciary flags fly at half-mast to honour Magistrate Kivuti.
‘The judiciary family stands in solidarity during this deeply traumatic time and calls for sensitivity and compassion as we share in grief,’ Chief Justice Koome stated. She also urged the police to ensure the safety of judicial officers as they carry out their duties.
President Ruto echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for greater protection of judicial officers: ‘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.’
The incident has sparked widespread calls for enhanced security measures to protect judicial officers in Kenya, ensuring that they can perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.
