Makadara Chief Magistrate Monica Kivuti has tragically passed away, reportedly succumbing to injuries sustained when she was shot by a police officer.
The magistrate was shot on Thursday, June 13, during an open-court session following a ruling involving the police officer's wife.
Following the shooting incident, Kivuti was subsequently transferred to Nairobi Hospital for treatment, where she later passed away.
While confirming the incident, Chief Justice Martha Koome noted that Monica Kivuti's body had since been moved to the Lee Funeral Home as the family commences burial preparations.
"The Judiciary family stands in solidarity during this deeply traumatic time and calls for sensitivity and compassion as we share in grief," CJ Koome stated.
"A comprehensive statement by the Judiciary Leadership Team which is in a meeting presently will be issued shortly," she added.
Reports suggest that Kivuti sustained a gunshot wound to the chest during the incident.
Similarly, the OCS who shot her also succumbed after he was shot by officers who quickly intervened in the matter.
In the court case, the officer's wife had been accused in a case of obtaining money amounting to Ksh2.9 million by false pretence.
Upon receiving the message about the magistrate's shooting, CJ Koome directed the Makadara Law Courts to be shut until June 17 to allow for security reinforcement at the court.
“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.
Martha 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.
