Senior police officer gunned down after shooting Makadara Law Courts magistrate

Principal Magistrate Monica Kîvuti was shot and injured during court hearings at the Makadara Law Courts on Thursday afternoon. The individual who shot her, Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Londiani Police Station in Kericho County, was unhappy with the court's decision.

The magistrate's decision to revoke his wife's bond and put her in jail for failing to appear in court infuriated the OCS, according to a police report Eastleigh Voice saw.

“His wife, one Jenniffer Wairimu, 48, was accused in a case of obtaining money by false pretences amounting to Sh2.9 million, the police report read in part.

The court denied his wife's request for release on cash bail. He entered the court through the magistrate’s door and fired shots towards the magistrate, injuring her on the chest and left hip.”

He had travelled to Nairobi to attend to a case where his wife was a suspect and wanted to be released pending a hearing and determination of the case. The court was sitting in a tent outside the main court precincts.

Soon after the magistrate had ruled on the matter, the officer went behind the tent and shot her, Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei said.

“Other officers who were present responded and shot the officer fatally wounding him,” he said.

According to the police report, a fellow court officer "countered and fatally shot" the officer.

In the process, three other officers were injured, according to the report, which does not indicate the person responsible for the injuries.

The DCIO detectives arrived at Makadara Law Courts and cordoned off the area.

Crime scene where a police officer has been shot dead after shooting a Magistrate at Makadara Law court on June 13, 2024Image: HANDOUT

Following the incident, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya assured all judicial officers, staff, and court users of their safety and security on the premises. She further notes plans to enhance security protocols for civilians visiting the court, as well as security officers who visit courts in circumstances that do not require them to be armed.

"We urge calm from all court users as our law enforcement agencies further investigate this incident," she said.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has also directed that the Judiciary Police Unit, in consultation with the Office of the Inspector General, reinforce security in all court stations across the country and ensure that persons are not allowed to access court premises while armed, except officers properly accredited to provide security at specified court stations.

Furthermore, the court premises at Makadara Law Courts will remain closed until Monday, June 17, 2024, for security reinforcement. The Makadara Law Courts will hear all matters virtually, while the Milimani Law Courts will mention those requiring physical appearance.

"The Judiciary, together with the Office of Inspector General and connected NCAJ actors, will review the security protocols regarding the handling of accused persons in the courtroom," she said.

The Inspector General of the National Police Service, Japhet Koome, confirmed that two police constables were injured and are being admitted together with the magistrate at the Metropolitan Hospital in Buruburu.

"While the service is yet to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting, all our specialised teams led by the DCI Homicide Unit are on the ground conducting an in-depth investigation into the incident," he said.

The Inspector General of Police has reassured the Judiciary of the safety of all their staff as they discharge their duty.