President William Ruto has called on the police to ensure the protection of judicial officers, emphasizing that the incident involving Makadara Principal Magistrate Monicah Kivuti “should not happen again.”
Magistrate Kivuti succumbed to gunshot wounds after a senior police officer opened fire in an open court in Makadara last week, injuring three other officers. The Officer Commanding Police Station in Kisumu County, responsible for the shooting, was shot dead on the spot by fellow officers.
President Ruto expressed his condolences on his X account, mourning the tragic death of Magistrate Kivuti and highlighting the importance of the safety of judicial officers. He condemned the confrontation, threats, and attacks against judicial officers, labeling them as unacceptable and criminal acts that undermine the rule of law.
“I join the family, friends, and the judicial fraternity in mourning the tragic death of Honourable Monica Kivuti, who was serving as the Principal Magistrate of the Makadara Courts,” President Ruto posted. “The confrontation, threats, or attacks of any form against judicial officers is unacceptable, criminal, and an affront to the rule of law.”
The President reiterated the essential role of the police in assuring Kenyans of reliable security and insisted that under no circumstances should they turn from their duty of protection. He stated that what happened to Magistrate Kivuti is unacceptable and must never be repeated.
“I ask the police to ensure the safety of our judicial officers at all times as they discharge their duties. We have lost a firm and hardworking judicial professional who served Kenyans with dedication. She still had a lot to offer to our country,” the President said. “I pray that the Almighty God grants you strength to bear this loss and comfort you with divine solace.”
In response to the tragic event, Chief Justice Martha Koome directed that all Judiciary flags fly at half-mast in honor of Magistrate Kivuti. She announced that the flags will remain at half-mast until Magistrate Kivuti is laid to rest.
“The Judiciary flag will fly at half-mast from today (Saturday) across all court stations until Hon Kivuti is laid to rest,” CJ Koome said in a statement on Saturday.
Magistrate Kivuti was shot on Thursday afternoon at the Makadara Law Courts and succumbed to her injuries Friday night at Nairobi Hospital.
