NAIROBI Kenya June 13 -A senior police officer on Wednesday afternoon shot and seriously injured Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti before he was gunned down by his colleagues guarding the court.
Also injured during the incident were two Police Constables who are admitted in hospital in stable condition.
Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto who is the Londiani police station commander (OCS) had accompanied his wife Jenniffer Wairimu who had been charged with obtaining Sh2.9 million by false pretences.
“The Magistrate was shot by a suspect later identified as No. 235435 Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, the OCS Londiani Police Station,” the Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome said.
The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya said the magistrate cancelled the bond for Wairimu who had jumped bond and had failed to offer satisfactory explanations for jumping bond.
Immediately this decision was pronounced, the OCS who was armed shot at the Magistrate and injured her on the hip.
“Prior to her appearance in Court on 13th June, 2024, the accused had absconded appearance severally having been released on bond. She indicated that she had been unwell. The court ordered that a probation report be prepared and remanded the accused in custody pending provision of the report,” the Judiciary said.
During the 1.45pm incident, the slain officer, who was armed with a Jericho pistol, entered the court through the magistrate’s door and fired shots aimed at the Magistrate.
“Police Officers in the scene responded and neutralized the shooter, and the Magistrate was rushed to hospital for treatment,” Mokaya said.
Three officers were also injured during the attack. They have been identified as Constable Maureen Lepes who was shot on the left leg, Constable Augustine Michael Kithumbi who was injured on the left eye, and Constable Eunice Macharia who sustained an injury on the left hand.
“While the Service is yet to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting, all our specialized teams led by the DCI Homicide Unit are on the ground conducting in-depth investigation into the incident,” Koome said.
The Judiciary has also said they will enhance security protocols for civilians visiting courts as well as security officers who visit courts in circumstances that do not require them to be armed.
“We urge for calm from all court users as our law enforcement agencies further investigate this incident. We would also like to assure all Judicial Officers, Staff and Court Users of their safety and security in all our premises,” she added.
In August 2021, a specialised police unit was formed to protect judicial officers and judiciary premises in the country.
The Judicial Police Unit (JPU) was formed following consultations between the Chief Justice Martha Koome and the former Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
