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Monica Kivuti shooting: JSC pushes interviews, says court closed until June 24

Recce Squad officers guard the Makadara Law Courts in Nairobi on June 13, 2024, following the shooting of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti. (Photo: Joseph Ndunda/EV)

By Lucy Mumbi | Sunday, June 16, 2024

A new schedule for judges of the Court of Appeal will be announced soon, the JSC says, as it pauses activities to honour Kivuti's life and service.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has postponed interviews for judges of the Court of Appeal, scheduled for June 18–21, 2024, following the death of Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti.

Kivuti was attacked in court on June 1 and died at the Nairobi Hospital on June 15 by a senior police officer who was dissatisfied with her judgement on a matter.

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In a statement on Sunday, JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya explained that the postponement was in respect and honour of Kivuti's life and service.

An undated picture of Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kîvuti. (Photo: Handout)

Mokaya expressed regret for inconveniences caused by the decision and assured that a revised schedule would be published soon.

"In solidarity with the Judiciary, to mourn and honour the life and service of Hon. Kivuti, the commission has postponed the interviews for the position of Judge of the Court of Appeal scheduled for June 18–21, 2024. We regret any inconvenience caused," Mokaya said.

"The commission will publish a revised interview schedule in due course."

Kivuti was shot in the chest and pelvic area by Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, the Officer in Charge (OCS) of Londiani Police Station. Kipruto was subsequently shot dead by the police officers on site.

Kivuti was initially taken to the Metropolitan Hospital and was transferred to Nairobi Hospital for specialised treatment.

Chief Justice Martha Koome and her family confirmed her death and her body was taken to Nairobi's Lee Funeral Home.

The JSC has mourned the magistrate as a valued member of the judicial team, known for her unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and her profound professionalism and dedication to ensuring justice for all.

"The JSC extends its deepest condolences to Hon. Kivuti's family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working with her," Mokaya said.

Koome also ordered the closure of the Makadara Law Courts until June 24.

"The Makadara Law Courts will remain closed until Monday, June 24, 2024, to allow the dismantling of the makeshift court structures and allow reorganisation for security reasons," she said.

She also announced that all matters that were to be addressed at the court next week would be mentioned at the Milimani Law Courts and that judiciary administrative units would boost security at all court stations.

"In the meantime, the judiciary leadership will engage the Executive and Parliament on additional resources to support the implementation of past recommendations touching on securing the judiciary—a matter that has been discussed repeatedly with the concerned agencies for many years," Koome said.

The Chief Justice also called on the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the office of the Inspector General of Police to deploy more police officers to reinforce the Judiciary Police Unit.

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