Kivuti passed away shortly after requesting blood donations through her caregivers at the hospital.
Makadara Law Courts Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti is dead. She tragically passed away on Saturday, June 15 from gunshot injuries she sustained during a shooting incident at the Makadara Law Courts, on Thursday, June 13.
Chief Justice Martha Koome confirmed the news on her X account, noting that Kivuti’s injuries were extensive and proved fatal. She assured the Judiciary’s support for Kivuti’s family during this difficult time.
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform the nation that Hon. Monica Kivuti, Principal Magistrate, Makadara Law Courts has lost the fight against the extensive injuries sustained during an open gun attack in Court. We condole with the family, friends and the entire judiciary fraternity during this very difficult period of mourning.
CJ Martha Koome during Supreme Court proceedings on the 2022 presidential election petition. /ZAKHEEM RAJAN
“The Judiciary family stands in solidarity during this deeply traumatic time and calls for sensitivity and compassion as we share in grief. A comprehensive statement by the Judiciary Leadership Team which is in a meeting presently will be issued shortly. May Hon. Kivuti’s soul rest in eternal peace,” she wrote.
Kivuti passed away shortly after requesting blood donations through her caregivers at the hospital.
The incident occurred at Makadara Law Courts when the magistrate revoked the bond for a police officer’s wife after she violated her bond terms without a satisfactory explanation.
Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, the officer involved, then proceeded to shoot the magistrate in the thigh before being killed by officers present in the courtroom.
According to police, Chief Inspector Kipruto forcibly entered the courtroom and opened fire on the Magistrate after the court ordered his wife, Jennifer Wairimu, 48, to be remanded for violating her bond terms in a case involving obtaining Ksh2.9 million by false pretenses.
“Police officers on the scene responded and neutralized the shooter, and the Magistrate was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Preliminary reports indicate that the shooter was a police officer married to the suspect,” the Judiciary stated.
The National Police Service (NPS) reported that two police constables were also injured during the incident and were admitted to the Metropolitan Hospital in Buruburu.
Police Inspector General Japhet Koome said specialized teams led by the DCI Homicide Unit were investigating the incident.
In reaction to news regarding the magistrate’s shooting, CJ Koome directed the Makadara Law Courts to be closed down until Monday, June 17 to allow for security reinforcement at the court.
As Monday, June 17 has been gazetted as a public holiday (Eid-Al-Adha), normal proceedings will likely resume the following day.
“All matters at the Makadara Law Courts will be heard virtually and those requiring physical appearance mentioned at the Milimani Law Courts,” CJ Koome stated.
CJ Koome also ordered the banning of all armed individuals from being allowed within the court premises except for those accredited to offer security at courtrooms.
The office of the Inspector General was directed to jointly with the National Council of Administration of Justice actors to review the security protocols regarding the handling of accused persons in the courtroom.
A police officer with a gun next to a crime scene. /FILE