President William Ruto has condemned the tragic death of Honorable Monica Kivuti, the Principal Magistrate of Makadara Courts, who succumbed to gunshot wounds last Friday night at Nairobi Hospital.
The incident, which shocked the nation, occurred when a senior police officer opened fire in an open court, injuring three other officers and resulting in a deadly confrontation.
In a heartfelt statement, President Ruto expressed his sorrow and solidarity with Kivuti’s family, friends, and the judicial community.
“I join the family, friends, and the judicial fraternity in mourning the tragic death of Honourable Monica Kivuti who was serving as the Principal Magistrate of the Makadara Courts,” the president stated.
He emphasized the gravity of the attack, describing it as an unacceptable affront to the rule of law. “The confrontation, threats, or attacks of any form against judicial officers is unacceptable, criminal, and an affront to the rule of law,” he added.
The President’s statement comes in the wake of the shocking incident where the Officer Commanding the Police Station in Kisumu County, who was responsible for the shooting, was shot dead on the spot by fellow officers in a swift response to the unfolding chaos. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of judicial officers and the need for strict adherence to the duty of protection by law enforcement agencies.
“The Police exists to assure Kenyans of reliable security. Under no circumstances should they abandon this essential obligation or ever turn from their duty of protection and become threats to the safety and security of the people,” President Ruto asserted.
He called on the police to ensure the safety of judicial officers, stressing that such an event must not happen again. “What happened to Hon. Kivuti is unacceptable; it should never happen again. I ask the police to ensure the safety of our judicial officers at all times as they discharge their duties.”
The judicial community has been deeply affected by the loss of Magistrate Kivuti, who was remembered as a dedicated and hardworking professional. “We have lost a firm and hardworking judicial professional who served Kenyans with dedication. She still had a lot to offer to our country,” President Ruto lamented.
President Ruto extended his prayers and condolences to Kivuti’s family. “I pray that the Almighty God grants you strength to bear this loss, and comfort you with divine solace. Rest In Peace, Hon. Kivuti,” he said.
In honor of Magistrate Kivuti, Chief Justice Martha Koome has directed that all judiciary flags be flown at half-mast until she is laid to rest.
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