CJ Koome Vows to Enhance Security for Judges After Kivuti Killing
Chief Justice Martha Koome signs a condolence book at the home of the late Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti who died on Friday from bullet wounds, June 15, 2024.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has vowed to push for security reforms in the Judiciary to ensure the safety of court premises, especially to protect judges, judicial officers, and staff during their duties.
Tragic Death of Magistrate Monica Kivuti
CJ Koome spoke on Tuesday during a ceremony at Makadara Law Courts in honor of Magistrate Monica Kivuti. Magistrate Kivuti died from injuries sustained after a police officer shot her during her work last Wednesday. The CJ emphasized that the tragedy highlighted the current state of security in the Judiciary. She assured everyone that such incidents would not recur under her leadership. “We will do all in our power to ensure this does not happen again,” she stated.
An Attack on Judicial Independence
The Chief Justice termed Magistrate Kivuti’s shooting as “an attack on judicial independence and the rule of law.” She pledged to engage with the other arms of government to secure adequate resources to boost security within the justice corridors. Kivuti’s death marks one of the most challenging moments in Kenya’s justice system. “It will take time to recover, to undo the damage, and to heal the wounds caused by this heinous act. But our resilience will enable us to overcome this cowardly attack and emerge even stronger,” she said.
Dedication to Public Service
The CJ noted Magistrate Kivuti’s dedication to public service. She was attacked while serving Kenyans in a tent during lunch hour, demonstrating her commitment. Koome had already engaged the Interior Ministry and the Office of the Inspector General of Police to deploy additional officers to reinforce the Judiciary Police Unit. This unit will be reorganized under the leadership of a senior commanding officer with a functional secretariat.
Public Support for Judiciary Resources
Koome urged the public to demand that the Judiciary receives adequate resources. “We must, as a nation, treat the Judiciary as a co-equal arm of government with the same resources extended to the Executive and Parliament. We cannot enforce governance without the Judiciary. We cannot have a secure country without a secure Judiciary,” she urged.
Support from Judicial and Legal Leaders
CJ Koome was accompanied by her deputy, Philomena Mwilu, JSC Commissioner Everlyne Olwande, LSK President Faith Odhiambo, Kenya Magistrates Judges Association (KMJA) President Justice Stephen Radido, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga, and Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya.
DCJ Mwilu’s Call for Lawful Redress
PHOTO: DCJ Mwilu
DCJ Mwilu emphasized the Judiciary’s role in upholding the Constitution. She urged litigants to follow the law and file appeals if aggrieved by a judgment instead of taking matters into their own hands. “If you think we are corrupt, don’t kill us. Report us to the Judicial Service Commission and provide evidence to ensure we are removed from office,” Mwilu said.
Details of the Incident
Magistrate Kivuti was shot in the chest and pelvic area by Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, the OCS Londiani Police Station, during an active session at Makadara Law Courts. Responding police officers subsequently shot the OCS dead.
Commitment to Judicial Safety
The Judiciary will continue to push for reforms to enhance security for all its members. CJ Koome’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for judicial officers remains firm. She believes that only through a secure judiciary can Kenya maintain a robust and fair justice system.
Engagement with Government
CJ Koome will work closely with the government to allocate the necessary resources for judicial security. She aims to establish a secure environment where judicial officers can perform their duties without fear. The Judiciary will also focus on strengthening its internal security measures and protocols.
National Responsibility
The security of the Judiciary is a national responsibility. CJ Koome calls on all Kenyans to support efforts to enhance judicial security. She urges the public to recognize the importance of a secure judiciary in maintaining law and order in the country.
A Future of Resilience and Strength
Despite the tragedy, CJ Koome remains optimistic about the future of the Judiciary. She believes that through collective effort and resilience, the Judiciary will emerge stronger. The Judiciary’s commitment to justice and the rule of law will continue to guide its actions.
Honoring Magistrate Kivuti’s Legacy
Magistrate Kivuti’s dedication to justice and public service will be remembered. Her legacy will inspire efforts to improve the security and effectiveness of Kenya’s judicial system. CJ Koome and her team will honor her memory by ensuring a safer environment for all judicial officers.
CJ Koome’s vow to enhance security for judges and judicial officers reflects her commitment to justice. The Judiciary will work tirelessly to implement security reforms and protect its members. The tragedy of Magistrate Kivuti’s death underscores the urgent need for these measures. Through resilience and collective effort, the Judiciary will overcome this challenge and continue to uphold justice in Kenya.
