Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti has tragically passed away, as confirmed by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
Kivuti succumbed to injuries sustained in a shooting incident involving a Senior Police Officer at the Makadara Law Courts on Thursday.
“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,” CJ Koome said.
Kivuti died at Nairobi Hospital, where she had been transferred for specialized care following the shooting. Colleagues and a family source, speaking anonymously, confirmed her passing to the Star on Friday.
“The Judiciary family stands in solidarity during this deeply traumatic time and calls for sensitivity and compassion as we share in grief. May Hon. Kivuti’s soul rest in eternal peace,” CJ Koome added.
According to a source at Nairobi Hospital, Kivuti passed away at 11 pm due to severe injuries, including gunshot wounds to her liver and intestine.
Her family has since moved her body to Lee Funeral Home.
Magistrate Kivuti was shot and injured during an incident immediately after ruling on a case involving a policeman’s wife at the Makadara Law Court. The Judiciary reported that she had revoked the bond for an accused person who had absconded court appearances without satisfactory explanations, prompting the attack.
Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, stationed in Londiani, Kisumu, allegedly shot Magistrate Kivuti after the ruling. In response, other officers at the court engaged and fatally shot Kipruto. During the exchange, three other officers sustained injuries.
The tragic incident led to the suspension of court operations at Makadara on Friday. The Judiciary has initiated psycho-social counseling and support for judicial officers and staff affected by the trauma. Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya convened a session with judicial officers from the Supreme Court, where they received counseling from psychologists to help them cope with the traumatic event.
The Magistrates at Makadara Law Courts, led by Chief Magistrate Tito Gesora, have urged the Judiciary to enhance security measures and improve infrastructure at the court premises. Mokaya emphasized the need for adequate funding to address these infrastructural challenges and ensure the safety of judicial officers and staff as they prepare to resume duties next week.
