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Shun unfounded claims against judicial staff, Kenyans told

Chief Justice Martha Koome signs a condolence book at the Makadara Law Courts in Nairobi on June 18, 2024, the Judiciary National Day of Mourning for Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti. (Photo: Judiciary)

By Lucy Mumbi | Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Complaints regarding judges, judicial officers, and staff should be directed to the appropriate investigative authorities, the Judiciary says.

The Judiciary has urged Kenyans to refrain from issuing unsubstantiated statements that malign judicial officers and other staff.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Judiciary’s Directorate of Public Affairs and Communication said it had observed an increase in public comments concerning the ethical conduct of those involved in the administration of justice, along with demands for greater accountability.

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It noted that complaints regarding judges, judicial officers, and staff should be directed to the appropriate investigative authorities.

“We encourage public discourse on matters relating to the dispensation of justice and urge the public to direct any complaints to relevant offices charged with investigating any impropriety on the part of judges, judicial officers and staff."

The statement further noted that the Office of the Judiciary Ombudsman and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) are available to receive and process such complaints.

“The public is at liberty to lodge complaints with other investigative government agencies in the pursuit of the truth. We urge the public to desist from issuing statements to malign judicial officers and staff without providing evidence, which leads to character assassination,” reads the statement.

The Judiciary added that it remains committed to honesty, integrity, accountability and transparency, upholding the rule of law and the Constitution.

This comes a few days after the fatal shooting of Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti, an incident that has sparked concerns about courtroom security.

Kivuti was shot in the chest and pelvic area by Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, the officer commanding the Londiani Police Station, who was dissatisfied with a judgement concerning his wife.

The officer's wife, 48-year-old Jennifer Wairimu, is accused of obtaining Sh2.9 million through false pretences.

According to the police, Kipruto forcibly entered the courtroom and opened fire after the court remanded his wife for violating bond terms.

A team including Chief Justice Martha Koome and Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu visited the Makadara Law Courts on Tuesday as the Judiciary marked its national day of mourning the magistrate.

Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mbete Mwilu, the Chief Registrar of Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya arrive at Makadara Law Courts to lead the Judiciary National Day of Mourning for Hon Monica Kivuti. pic.twitter.com/3MJY1SJdl8
— The Judiciary Kenya (@Kenyajudiciary) June 18, 2024