Chief Justice Martha Koome on Monday, June 17, ordered the closure of all makeshift structures which judges and magistrates have been using as alternative courtrooms due to inadequate infrastructure.
CJ Koome made the directive following the fatal shooting of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti in one of the makeshift structures.
“Going forward, judicial services will no longer be rendered in makeshift structures,” CJ Koome ordered.
Koome further revealed that despite multiple requests from the Judiciary, the Executive and Parliament had been slow to allocate funds needed to upgrade court facilities to standards that would guarantee efficiency and safe execution of judicial duties.
“We will not expose Judiciary personnel to insecurity risks and will ensure that security, especially where infrastructure is inadequate, is not compromised,” she vowed Judiciary would not compromise on makeshift structures going forward.
CJ Koome regretted that Kivuti was shot on Thursday, June 13, while protecting the rule of law by holding court in a tent and over the lunch hour.
According to the Chief Justice, the best way to honour the commitment of the department magistrate would be by ensuring court services are only provided in adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law.
"Any lapse that might lead to lawlessness and anarchy would be contrary to what Kivuti stood for," she stated.
To honour the slain magistrate, CJ Koome reiterated that there would be no court sessions on Tuesday, June 18, as the day would be dedicated to mourning, remembering and praying for Kivuti.
From Wednesday, June 19, all courts nationwide will resume operations except Makadara Law Courts which is under re-evaluation for security purposes.
With the elimination of makeshift structures, going forward, the Supreme Court President directed all judges, judicial officers and staff to utilise virtual courts and secured permanent courts to dispense justice.
Earlier, the Inspector General (IG) of Police, Japhet Koome, had reassured CJ Koome of the safety and security of judicial staff.
"Cognizant of the complexity and evolving nature of crime and emerging crimes, the National Police Service remains committed to working with the Judiciary, and indeed, the National Council on Administration of Justice to ensure that security of the Judicial staff and court users is enhanced," a statement from IG Koome read in part.
