Chief Justice Martha Koome has ordered that the Makadara Law Courts remain closed until Monday after the shooting of Principal Magistrate Monicah Kivuti during a court session.
Justice Koome said the closure will allow for security reinforcement at the court.
All proceedings planned for the Makadara Law Courts will be heard digitally, with physical appearances rerouted to the Milimani Law Courts until security reinforcements are ready.
According to authorities, Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti was shot by a police officer during an active court session while giving a verdict in a case involving the officer's wife.
Other police officers present at the scene responded and fatally shot the senior officer, Chief Inspector Samson Kipruto, killing him on the spot.
The suspect is said to be furious with the Magistrate's decision to terminate his wife's bond.
“The Magistrate 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,” said the Judiciary in a statement on the incident.
Jenniffer Wairimu, the officer's 48-year-old wife, was charged with acquiring Ksh.2.9 million under false pretenses. The judge denied her request to be freed on monetary bail.
"He entered inside the court through the magistrate's door and fired shots towards the magistrate injuring her on the chest and left hip," a report from police indicated.
“As the Judiciary family, we wish our colleague a quick recovery. We also send our condolences to the family of the officer who lost his life in this unfortunate incident,” reads the statement issued by Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya.
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