A Kenyan magistrate, Monica Kivuti, who was shot by a senior police officer earlier this week has sadly passed away, according to the country’s Chief Justice Martha K Koome.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Justice Koome conveyed that Makadara Principal Magistrate Kivuti had “lost the fight” against her “extensive injuries”.
The incident occurred on Thursday when Kivuti was shot by a policeman, identified as Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, at a court in the capital, Nairobi.
This happened after Kivuti had cancelled the bail of Kipruto’s wife due to her absconding. Kipruto was subsequently shot dead by other officers following the attack, and three of these officers were also injured but are said to be in a stable condition.
Justice Koome stated that it was clear Kipruto had intended to kill Magistrate Kivuti. The national police service said Kipruto had been in the court for “unknown reasons” during a hearing in the case of his wife, who was accused of receiving money “under false pretences”.
The Makadara Law Courts are expected to remain closed until Monday. The judiciary has said it will enhance security measures and assure judicial staff and other court users of their safety and security. The Law Society of Kenya has also expressed concern, stating that the incident is “not an isolated event but part of a troubling trend of increasing threats and attacks against judicial officers and advocates”.
