President William Ruto has directed police officers to step up security for judicial officers after the shooting of Magistrate Monica Kivuti at Makadara Law Courts last week.
In a statement on Monday, the Head of State termed Kivuti's killing as an unacceptable travesty. Kivuti was shot dead inside a courtroom.
The Head of State insisted that the police should deliver reliable security to Kenyans without abandoning their duty.
"The confrontation, threats, or attacks of any form against judicial officers is unacceptable, criminal, and an affront to the rule of law," stated the Head of State.
"The Police exists to assure Kenyans of reliable security. Under no circumstances should they 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. I ask the police to ensure the safety of our judicial officers at all times as they discharge their duties," he added.
In his eulogy, Ruto hailed Kivuti, who served as the Principal Magistrate at Makadara Law Courts, as a "firm and hardworking judicial professional who served Kenyans with dedication."
Kivuti was shot in the chest on Thursday last week by Londiani Police Station OCS Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, in Court Room 9, who detested the magistrate's decision to deny his wife's bail application.
Kipruto fired the shot at 1:45 pm and was reportedly immediately shot and killed by other police officers.
The deceased's wife was in court after she was accused of obtaining Ksh2.9 million through false pretenses
Kivuti later passed away while receiving treatment at the hospital. Chief Justice Martha Koome declared Tuesday, June 18, a mourning day and ordered all courts to remain closed.
The National Police Service, as a result, vowed to work alongside the Judiciary to ensure that security has been stepped up for Judiciary workers.
