Judiciary vows security reforms one year after Makadara Magistrate Kivuti’s shooting

The Judiciary has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security within Kenya’s courts, marking one year since the tragic shooting of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti at the Makadara Law Courts.

In an official statement, Judiciary chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya described Kivuti as a principled, courageous and dedicated judicial officer who served with integrity, wisdom and compassion.

"The late Hon Kivuti was a champion of justice, a respected colleague and a mentor to many. Her unwavering commitment to the rule of law and her deep sense of fairness continue to inspire us", Mokaya said in the statement.

Magistrate Kivuti was shot while presiding over a court case, an incident that shocked the nation and exposed critical security lapses within judicial premises.

Mokaya said Kivuti's death triggered a wide-ranging investigation by the Judicial Service Commission, working in collaboration with national security agencies to uncover the events surrounding the incident and identify institutional gaps.

"The tragedy at Makadara was not only a personal loss to the Judiciary, but also a national wake-up call. It compelled us to act decisively," said Mokaya.

Makeshift courtrooms

One of the earliest decisions taken was the immediate closure of all makeshift courtrooms, many of which had posed both security and safety risks.

"We recognised the danger of operating from temporary structures and began phasing them out. County governments and public institutions helped provide interim alternatives as we advanced plans for permanent court infrastructure," she said.

Part of that effort includes the establishment of the Dagoretti Law Courts to ease congestion at Milimani, and the allocation of funds to complete the Mihang'o and Kasarani courts to reduce the strain on Makadara.

The Judiciary also formed a new Directorate of Security Services to centralise and professionalise its security operations.

Kivuti was shot at the Makadara Law Courts after she made a ruling in a case involving a policeman's wife.

Koome said Magistrate Kivuti succumbed to the injuries sustained from the shooting incident.

The Judiciary said the magistrate had "cancelled the bond for an accused person who had jumped bond and had failed to offer satisfactory explanations for jumping bond".

"Immediately this decision was pronounced, a person shot at the magistrate and injured her on the hip," it said in a statement.

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• Principal Magistrate Monica Kîvuti
• Makadara Law Court
• Judiciary chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya
• Judiciary vows security reforms one year after Makadara Magistrate Kivuti’s shooting
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The officer, identified as Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, who was in charge of a police station in Londiani in Kisumu, pulled out a gun and shot the magistrate, injuring her.

Other officers in court responded immediately, with one of them shooting the offending policeman and killing him.