Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for an urgent meeting by the Executive Director of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ).
The council has been tasked to discuss and adopt new measures in law courts across the country following a fatal shooting at the Makadara law courts.
In a statement, the CJ has issued new protocols and rules to be followed and adopted by law courts including limiting access for individuals entering courts with firearms.
At the same time, Koome has ordered that the Makadara Law Courts remain closed until Monday, June 17 for security reinforcement.
“All matters at the Makadara Law Courts will be heard virtually and those requiring physical appearance mentioned at the Milimani Law Courts.
“The Judiciary together with the Office of Inspector General and connected NCAJ actors will review the security protocols regarding handling of accused persons in the courtroom,” said the CJ.
Also Read: Drama in Court as Senior Police Officer Shoots Magistrate
Additional New Measures Issued by CJ KoomeCourts
Aditionally, CJ Koome stated that new infrastructure will be installed in all judiciary offices to meet international standards for security of Judges and other staff.
“The Judiciary Security Committee will engage stakeholders to adopt and implement security measures for each Court station.
“The Judiciary Security Committee will also work with the Judiciary Infrastructure and Building Committee and the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary to ensure that all Judiciary infrastructure meets international standards for security of Judges, Judicial Officers and staff,” added the statement.
Moreover, targeted security training will be provided to officers deployed to the Judiciary and serving members of the public in registries and other court functions.
According to Koome, the matter escalated because the court was operating from a makeshift structure, an indication of lack of space and
ample facilities.
Also Read: Police Statement Reveals Fresh Details About Cop Who Shot Makadara Magistrate
Details of the Officer behind the Shooting
Identified as Inspector Samson Kipchirchir, the 55-year-old officer shot at Magistrate Kivuti who had declined a request to release his wife, facing charges, through cash bail.
Kipchirchir’s wife was facing charges of obtaining money by false pretense amounting to Ksh2.9 million.
According to an official police report, the shooter was a senior police officer who was acting as an Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Londiani Police Station.
At the same time, Police stated that the OCS’s wife had pleaded to be released on cash bail which the court did not grant.
“He entered inside the court through the magistrate’s door and fired shots towards the magistrate injuring her on the chest and left hip,” the police statement.
A court orderly and two other officers who tried to remove the Magistrate from the scene and secure the courtroom also sustained gunshot wounds.
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