National

Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti dies after gun attack in court

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 Joseph Ndunda | Saturday, June 15, 2024

Kîvuti was moved to the Nairobi Hospital on Friday for specialised treatment and Chief Justice Martha Koome visited her in the afternoon.

Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti, who was shot by a senior police officer inside her courtroom last Thursday, has died at the Nairobi Hospital, the judiciary has confirmed.

Chief Justice Martha Koome confirmed the principal magistrate's death via X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday morning, saying she "lost the fight against the extensive injuries sustained during an open gun attack in court."

Keep reading

"The judiciary family stands in solidarity during this deeply traumatic time and calls for sensitivity and compassion as we share in grief," Koome said, adding that the judiciary leadership team would issue a comprehensive statement after a meeting.

I wish to confirm to the Nation that Hon. Monica Kivuti, Principal Magistrate, Makadara Law Courts has lost the fight against the extensive injuries sustained during an open gun attack in Court.

The Judiciary family stands in solidarity during this deeply traumatic time and…
— Hon. Justice Martha K. Koome, FCIArb, EGH (@CJMarthaKoome) June 15, 2024

The attacker, Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of the Londiani Police Station in Kericho County, shot Kivuti because he was unhappy with the court's decision to revoke his wife's bond and put her in jail for failing to appear in court, according to a police report seen by The Eastleigh Voice.

Kipruto was gunned down at the scene, with the police report saying a fellow court officer "countered and fatally shot" him.

Kîvuti was initially taken to the Metropolitan Hospital and was transferred to the Nairobi Hospital on Thursday night for specialised treatment. Koome visited her on Friday afternoon.

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

Following the shooting, the court was closed until Monday pending preliminary security measures by the police.

"The court premises at the Makadara Law Courts will remain closed until June 17, 2024, for security reinforcement. All matters at the court will be heard virtually and those requiring physical appearance are mentioned at the Milimani Law Courts," Koome said at the time.

"The Executive Director of the National Council for Administration of Justice (NCAJ) will convene an urgent meeting of the NCAJ to discuss factors leading to this tragic incident and to adopt measures to avert any future threats."

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) condemned the incident, which President Faith Odhiambo described as part of a troubling trend of increasing threats and attacks against judicial officers and advocates.

Before you go, how about joining our vibrant TikTok and YouTube communities for exciting video stories?

TikTok: Click here. YouTube: Click here.