Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti is now battling for her life at a Nairobi hospital after she was shot on her chest and left hip during an open court session.
As usual the Kivuti was presiding over a bond ruling on a Sh2.9 million fraud case involving the officer’s wife.
Kivuti had just delivered her ruling when in a fit of rage, Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto drew out a pistol aiming at the magistrate.Kipchirchir, 55, is said to be the OCS Londiani Police Station.
He had travelled to Nairobi to attend to the case in which his spouse identified as Jennifer Wairimu was facing the fraud case.
The woman said to be the officer’s wife had pleaded to be released on cash bail. Kivuti however, cancelled Wairimu’s bond for skipping court sessions ordering that the accused be remanded until June 27.
Following the unfavourable ruling, Kipchirchir who came while armed with a Jericho pistol entered the court through the magistrates’ door.
After shooting the magistrate, Kipchirchir was countered and shot to death
Nairobi County Police Commander Adamson Bungei thanked his officers for stopping the rogue OCS from causing more harm.
“Luckily, our officers were able to act swiftly and managed to neutralise the situation,” said Bungei.
Following the incident, court activities were immediately suspended as Chief Justice Martha Koome condemned the attack and appealed for more funding for construction of more decent courtrooms and scaling up of security.
Going forward, said the Chief Justice, Judiciary Police Unit in consultation with the Office of the Inspector General will reinforce security in all court stations across the country.
They will also ensure that persons are not allowed to access court premises while armed with the exception of officers properly accredited to provide security at specified court stations.
