Following the tragic death of Makadara Law Courts' Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has promised all judicial personnel that they will be safe while carrying out their jobs.
Kivuti was shot in the chest and pelvis by Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, the OCS of the Londiani police station, on June 13, 2024, during a judicial session. She subsequently died from injuries at Nairobi Hospital.
In a statement released on Monday, IG Koome stated that the National Police Service (NPS) will continue to ensure that all judicial personnel, including Chief Justice Martha Koome, get full-time security.
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"NPS Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) and the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) Unit continue to provide security to Court buildings among other critical infrastructure," said Koome.
"Police stations assign protective safety and security duties to all courts countrywide."
The protection of judicial officials was strengthened in 2021 by establishing the Judiciary Police Unit, which provides security to the judiciary and allows for more efficient security of judicial workers.
Koome also expressed condolences to Kivuti's family for her death and wished a speedy recovery to two cops injured on that terrible day.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) and Kenya Judiciary Staff Association (KJSA) have stated that all judicial services would be suspended from June 19-24, 2024 and that the suspension will be reviewed "if circumstances dictate by inaction."
They are calling for the installation of cautious measures to secure the safety of judges while also proposing a host of proposals to protect court workers, such as prohibiting the use of masks and other face coverings.
