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Mombasa residents stranded over 'poor communication' about court closures

Mombasa County residents speak to journalists outside the Mombasa Law Courts on June 18, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

By Farhiya Hussein | Tuesday, June 18, 2024

They say they travelled long distances for the hearing of their cases, thinking only the Makadara Law Courts in Nairobi would be affected following the fatal shooting of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti.

Hundreds of Mombasa County residents were stranded on Tuesday after arriving at the Mombasa Law Courts only to find that proceedings had been postponed.

They alleged a lack of clear communication and timely notice regarding the closure of the courts, saying some of them had travelled long distances for proceedings, arriving as early as 6 am.

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However, the Judiciary earlier announced that courts countrywide would be closed until June 24, in honour of Makadara Resident Magistrate Monica Kivuti, who died after a gun attack in the courtroom last week.

The Mombasa residents acknowledged this announcement, which was broadcast on television and other media channels but said they assumed it applied only to Makadara. They said they had no choice but to reschedule their cases and return home.

Presiding Judge Olga Sewe, of the Mombasa Law Courts, during a press briefing on June 18, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

Speaking to the press outside the court, Bofu MCA Juma Manuari expressed his disappointment, saying his case was pushed to the next week.

"I came for the start of the hearing of my case. Unfortunately, the courts are closed as the staff are in mourning."

A spot check by The Eastleigh Voice found no uniformed security officers around the court premises, something that sparked further concerns by residents about their safety and the management of the courts.

Resident Moses Nzai said, "If the courts are not secure, what about us, ordinary citizens?"

Mariam Mwanajuma had travelled from Magongo with her family.

"We travelled early in the morning, hoping to have our case heard today. This lack of information is very frustrating," she said.

The residents, who said they took time off work and suspended other activities for their cases, urged court officials to ensure proper communication in the future to prevent inconveniences.

"We understand that there may be valid reasons for the court's closure but we deserve to be informed in advance. This is not just about our cases. It is about respecting our time and our efforts to seek justice," said Mariam.

Staff of the Mombasa Law Courts, led by Presiding Judge Olga Sewe (4th L), display a picture of the late Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti during a press briefing on June 18, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki, speaking on behalf of advocates, stressed the need to address vulnerabilities at the courts, urging the government to allocate more funds to security enhancements.

"A court such as the Mombasa Law Courts lacks proper screening, which allows people to easily access the premises with firearms," Mohamed noted.

He called for the deployment of extra security personnel to the courts to ensure the safety of judicial officers, staff, and the public.

"We must take proactive steps to prevent any potential threats and ensure a secure environment for everyone involved in the judicial process," he said.

In response to security concerns following Kivuti's shooting, Presiding Judge Olga Sewe of the Mombasa Law Courts reassured the public of their safety.

Kivuti was shot inside her makeshift court at the Makadara Law Courts during proceedings on June 13 by Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, the Officer in Charge (OCS) of Londiani Police Station. Kipruto, who was dissatisfied with the court's judgement concerning his wife, was subsequently shot dead by the police officers on site.

Sewe said, "We are safe. Just because one rogue police officer decided to act up does not mean all police officers are bad. We trust them and still rely on the National Police Service (NPS) to protect us."