Judiciary marks anniversary of slain Magistrate Kivuti, vows reforms
The late Kivuti, who held the position of Principal Magistrate, lost her life while conducting court proceedings, an incident that shocked the nation and exposed significant security vulnerabilities within judicial institutions.
A year after the tragic shooting of Magistrate Monica Kivuti at the Makadara Law Courts, the Judiciary has commemorated her memory by reaffirming its commitment to justice and introducing comprehensive security reforms aimed at strengthening the safety of court environments.
The late Kivuti, who held the position of Principal Magistrate, lost her life while conducting court proceedings, an incident that shocked the nation and exposed significant security vulnerabilities within judicial institutions.
In a statement issued to mark the anniversary, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Winfridah B. Mokaya paid tribute to Kivuti’s legacy, describing her as “a resolute, brave, and devoted officer of the court who dispensed justice with integrity, empathy, and wisdom.”
Mokaya further noted that Kivuti was “a staunch advocate for justice, a valued team member, and a guiding figure to numerous colleagues.
Her untimely death prompted the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), in partnership with national security bodies, to launch an extensive investigation.
The joint effort aimed to unravel the circumstances of the shooting and pinpoint systemic weaknesses within court security protocols.
“This heartbreaking incident at Makadara wasn’t just a personal blow to the Judiciary it was a national alarm that demanded urgent action,” Mokaya remarked.
In response, one of the first measures implemented was the shutdown of all makeshift courtrooms, which had long been flagged as posing significant safety and security concerns.
“We acknowledged the risks associated with makeshift facilities and began systematically eliminating them,” she explained. “In the meantime, county governments and public institutions stepped in to offer temporary support as we worked toward building permanent court facilities.”
As part of this initiative, the Dagoretti Law Courts were established to help decongest Milimani, while funds were allocated to finalize construction of the Mihango and Kasarani courts, easing the load on Makadara.
Additionally, the Judiciary created a dedicated Directorate of Security Services to streamline and professionalize its security operations.
“We’re bringing on board experienced security experts to guarantee the safety of both our judicial officers and members of the public,” Mokaya stated.
