Policeman shoots and injures magistrate in Kenyan court
Thursday June 13 2024
In this photo, Makadara Law Courts in Nairobi. The premises was cordoned off after the June 13, 2024 shooting of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti. POOL
A police officer shot and injured a magistrate at a court in Kenya's capital Nairobi on Thursday, before being killed in a shootout with other officers, the Judiciary said.
Monica Kivuti, a magistrate at the Makadara Law Courts, was shot after rejecting the bond request for the police officer's wife, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya said in a statement.
"Immediately (after) this decision was pronounced, a person shot at the magistrate," Ms Mokaya said. "Police officers (at) the scene responded and neutralised the shooter."
Ms Kivuti and three other officers who were injured in the ensuing shootout were being treated and in a stable condition, Chief Justice Martha Koome said in a statement.
"It is clear that the intention of the perpetrator was to kill the magistrate," CJ Koome said, ordering security at all courts across the country to be reinforced.
The policeman's wife had requested release on bail after pleading guilty to obtaining Ksh2.9 million ($22,700) by false pretences, according to a police report seen by Reuters.
"He entered inside the court through the magistrate's door and fired shots towards the magistrate, injuring her on the chest and left hip," the police report said.
"He was... fatally shot by a fellow officer who was in the court," the report said.
Court closed
Following the shooting, the Chief Justice on Thursday evening announced the closure of Makadara Law Courts until Monday, June 17, 2024 “for security reinforcement”.
The CJ directed that all matters at the Makadara Law Courts be heard virtually, and those requiring physical appearance be moved to Milimani Law Courts.
The Judiciary Police Unit, she said, in consultation with the office of the Inspector-General of Police would reinforce security in all court stations across the country.
At the same time, persons are not allowed to access court premises while armed, with the exception of officers properly accredited to provide security at specified court stations, shall be denied entry.