Northern Kenya

Isiolo holds memorial for Magistrate Kivuti as judge calls for enhanced security in courtroom

Isiolo Chief Magistrate Lucy Mutai lights a candle during the memorial in remembrance of the late Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti on June 18, 2024. (Photo Waweru Wairimu)

By Waweru Wairimu | Tuesday, June 18, 2024

The late Magistrate Kivuti was shot by a senior police officer, Chief Inspector Samson Kipruto in charge of Londiani police station, shortly after delivering a ruling in a case involving his wife who faced charges of obtaining Sh2.9 million by false pretence.

Isiolo Judiciary officers, staff and the public Tuesday held a memorial in remembrance of Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti who died last week after she was shot as she went about her duties in the courtroom.

Led by Presiding Judge Peter Njoroge, who is also in charge of the Environment and Land Court and Chief Magistrate Lucy Mutai, the Judicial officers called for enhanced security in courts as well as that of Magistrates who handle sensitive cases.

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Justice Njoroge said officers accredited to provide security in courtrooms must be armed at all times to ensure the security of the Judicial officers, staff and court users is not compromised.

"We have not had such a case (of Magistrate being attacked while in court) before in the country. Security of our officers must be enhanced to ensure a similar incident doesn't recur," he said.

He recalled the November 23, 2022 incident where then Isiolo Senior Resident Magistrate Edward Tsimonjero escaped unhurt after bandits attacked him and other court staff along Losesia-Kom-Merti road.

Attendees at the memorial service in remembrance of the late Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti at Isiolo Law Courts on June 18, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

He was with a court clerk, prosecutor, advocate and two law students as well as two officers on their way back to Isiolo town from a mobile court session in Merti when the vehicle was sprayed with 21 bullets within the Daraja ya Mungu area.

At the same time, Judge Njoroge appealed to the National Police Service to look into the mental well-being of police officers and provide psychosocial support to those who could be affected.

"There is a need to provide them with counseling services so that they do not suffer mental illnesses that could cause them to do weird things," Justice Njoroge said during the memorial at Isiolo Law Courts.

Isiolo Law Courts Presiding Judge Peter Njoroge speaks during the memorial in remembrance of the late Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti on June 18, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

The late Magistrate Kivuti was shot by a senior police officer, Chief Inspector Samson Kipruto in charge of Londiani police station, shortly after delivering a ruling in a case involving his wife who faced charges of obtaining Sh2.9 million by false pretence.

The OCS was shot dead by another officer who was in court with three officers attached to the premises sustaining gunshot wounds.

Attendees observed a moment of silence and lit candles in remembrance of the fallen state officer who was described as a hardworking peacemaker.

Borana Council of Elders Chairperson Abdullahi Gonjobe led elders from other communities living in Isiolo in sharing a message of condolences to family and friends of the departed Magistrate.

"Life is sacred and no one has the authority to take it away. We call for enhanced security of Judicial officers while dispensing justice to Kenyans in courts and outside the court," he said.