In a shocking incident that has gripped Kenya, Chief Inspector Samson Kiprotich, the Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS) in Londiani, fatally shot Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti at the Makadara Law Courts before being killed by his colleagues.
Here are the key facts about the case:
What Led Samson Kiprotich to Violence?
Kiprotich was known to have anger issues, which were likely exacerbated by his high blood pressure. The stress and frustration over his wife’s legal and health troubles significantly affected him. Kiprotich and his wife, Jeniffer Wairimu, 47, both battled diabetes, and he was deeply distressed by the thought of her suffering in prison without proper medical care. Rachel Mebur, the daughter of Samson Kiprotich, shared that he could not bear to see his wife, whom he loved very much, in such a dire situation. And this ultimately drove him to his desperate and violent act.
“He (Kipruto) loved his wife so much. He could not bear seeing her rotting in jail while still on oxygen and no medicine,” Mebur told Tuko.
The Case
On the day of the incident, Kiprotich’s wife, Jennifer Wairimu, was in court facing charges of obtaining Sh2.9 Million by false pretenses. She had previously missed court sessions due to illness, leading Magistrate Kivuti to revoke her bail and order her remand at Langata Women’s Prisons. This decision angered Kiprotich.
Denied Audience with the Magistrate
Chief Inspector Samson Kiprotich had been desperate to discuss his wife’s legal troubles with Makadara Magistrate Monica Kivuti.
However, despite multiple attempts, he was denied an audience because he was neither the prosecutor nor the investigating officer the case.
Unauthorized Entry and Shooting
Kiprotich gained unauthorized access to the courtroom by sneaking in through the magistrate’s door. He bypassed an unarmed court orderly.
Once inside, he opened fire. While he was aiming for the head, Magistrate Kivuti ducked behind a table, which did little to shield her from the gunfire.
The Magistrate was hit by the bullets on the chest and hip, which reportedly hit her liver and intestines.
Magistrate’s Last Words
When the shooting began, Magistrate Kivuti cried out in Swahili, “Mama yangu, nakufa leo” (“My mother, I am dying today”), highlighting the terror and desperation of the moment.
During the chaotic scene, the colleagues of Samson Kiprotich responded by shooting him dead.
Injuries to Other Officers
In the course of the incident, three other officers were injured. One officer was hit in the left eye, another in the left leg, and a third in the left hand. Fortunately, all injured officers are now in stable condition.
Recovered Weapon
At the scene, police recovered a Jericho pistol belonging to Kiprotich. Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei confirmed the recovery and assured that the injured were receiving appropriate medical care.
This tragic event underscores the critical need for emotional and mental health support for law enforcement officers. It also highlights the importance of stringent security measures within judicial settings to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident has left the nation reeling and has raised urgent concerns about the safety of judicial officers in Kenya.
By Vivian K.