Chief Justice Martha Koome has directed that the Makadara Law Courts remain closed until Monday next week following the shooting of Principal Magistrate Monicah Kivuti at the court premises.
In a statement issued following the shocking shooting incident, Justice Koome said the closure will allow for security reinforcement at the court.
All matters scheduled at the Makadara Law Courts will be heard virtually, with physical appearances redirected to the Milimani Law Courts until security reinforcement is completed.
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“The Court premises at Makadara Law Courts will remain closed until Monday 17th June 2024 for security reinforcement. All matters at the Makadara Law Courts will be heard virtually and those requiring physical appearance mentioned at the Milimani Law Courts,” reads the statement.
Chief Justice Koome condemned the act and called for urgent action to reinforce security across all court stations in Kenya.
“The safety of our judicial officers and the sanctity of our courtrooms are paramount,” stated Chief Justice Koome. “We will take all necessary measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.”
The perpetrator, identified as a senior police officer, forcibly entered the courtroom and opened fire at the Magistrate after she remanded his wife for violating her bond terms.
“A court orderly and two other officers who tried to remove the Magistrate from the scene and secure the courtroom also sustained gunshot wounds. It is clear that the intention of the perpetrator was to kill the Magistrate,” said Koome.
“A court orderly and two other officers who tried to remove the Magistrate from the scene and secure the courtroom also sustained gunshot wounds. It is clear that the intention of the perpetrator was to kill the Magistrate.”
The officer’s wife, Jenniffer Wairimu aged 48 years was accused in a case of obtaining money by false pretence amounting to Ksh.2.9 million.
Detectives have since visited and cleared the scene as investigations into the incident continue.
The Magistrate who sustained injuries on the chest and pelvic area has since been hospitalised.
