Police Officer Shoots Judge in Nairobi Courtroom After Wife’s Bail Revoked
A senior police officer reportedly fatally shot a magistrate in a Nairobi courtroom following a ruling related to his wife.
Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, who was stationed at a police station in Londiani, western Kenya, carried out the attack against Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti on Thursday.
Reports indicate that Kipruto became enraged by the magistrate’s decision and resorted to violence. He drew his firearm and fired at Magistrate Kivuti, injuring her.
Court officers swiftly intervened, leading to an exchange of gunfire where Kipruto was fatally shot. Three other officers sustained injuries during the altercation.
The judiciary confirmed the sequence of events, stating that Magistrate Kivuti had canceled bail for a defendant who had absconded and failed to provide sufficient justification for her absence.
In an official statement, the judiciary described the immediate aftermath of the shooting: “Immediately this decision was pronounced, a person shot at the magistrate and injured her on the hip.” Initial reports identified the assailant as a police officer married to the defendant whose bail was revoked.
The national police service acknowledged Kipruto’s presence in court under unclear circumstances and initiated investigations to determine the motives and circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Following the tragic incident, Magistrate Monica Kivuti was rushed to Nairobi Hospital where she underwent emergency treatment. However, on Saturday, Justice Martha K Koome confirmed the devastating news of Magistrate Kivuti’s passing due to severe injuries sustained during the attack.
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform the nation that Hon. Monica Kivuti, Principal Magistrate, Makadara Law Courts has lost the fight against the extensive injuries sustained during an open gun attack in Court,” Justice Koome lamented.
The judiciary has since pledged to bolster security measures across courts to safeguard judicial officers and attendees. Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya expressed condolences and solidarity, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and compassion during this traumatic period.
“As the judiciary family, we wish our colleague a quick recovery. We also send our condolences to the family of the officer who lost his life in this unfortunate incident,” Mokaya stated.
