Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome has announced the resumption of services at Makadara Law Courts and security measures across all court stations after the shooting and death of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti.
In a statement on Sunday, June 23, Koome said Makadara Law Courts has remained closed to the public as the Judiciary mourned Kivuti and also worked to address immediate security concerns.
“We thank the public and all stakeholders for the support they have given us during this difficult time and apologize for the disruption in service delivery at the Court,” the statement reads in part.
After consultations with relevant stakeholders, Koome announced that Judicial Officers and court staff, the Makadara Law Courts team and all key stakeholders working in Court premises shall undergo trauma counselling between 24th to 26th June 2024 including individual and group counselling sessions led by professional counsellors.
Koome Orders on Makeshift Structures
Simultaneously, the Directorate of Building Services shall oversee dismantling and removal of the makeshift structures at Makadara Law Courts.
On June 27, the Court Users Committee (CUC) will meet to discuss the modalities of resuming court operations and review the immediate security measures put in place to facilitate this.
“The CUC shall give clear guidelines on the modalities of hearing matters considering the existing infrastructure. It shall also advise on the suitability of the use of virtual courts and registries in some cases so as to reduce congestion at the court,” the statement further read.
Afterwards, Makadara Law Courts shall reorganize the court diaries on June 28 to assign new dates and implement the recommendations of the CUC on the modalities of resuming court operations.
Plea-taking
Plea-taking shall resume at Makadara Law Courts on July 1 where only secured and fit-for-purpose courtrooms will be used.
Koome maintained that hearings and mentions shall resume in the manner advised by the CUC.
“Pursuant to resolutions of the CUC, the Head of Station shall issue a notice on new dates for cases affected during the suspension period. This shall also include directions on mention dates, payment of cash bail and guidance on virtual hearings for the pending matters. The notice shall be posted on the Judiciary website,” the CJ said.
Also Read: Monica Kivuti Death: Nelson Havi Lists 4 Ways CJ Koome Can Protect Judges Without Police
Security Measures for All Courts
Besides, CJ Koome issued directions on security measures to Makadara Law Courts and all courts across the country.
The CJ said all courts must ensure strict search protocols and block armed individuals from accessing court premises.
However, this excludes police officers duly accredited to provide security at specific court stations.
“It is mandatory that all Judicial Officers and Staff wear name tags at all times while in Court premises. Other Court Users such as Advocates, Police Officers and the Public shall be required to provide identification documents to facilitate access to Courts,” Koome directed.
Further, access to court parking shall be restricted to vehicles with serialized Judiciary car stickers.
Also Read: CJ Koome Issues Directives to Courts Following Death of Magistrate
Each station shall issue temporary passes to facilitate access by designated visitors and vehicles shall be searched before accessing the courts.
The CJ ordered all courts to put in place measures to ensure that there is restriction on access to chambers of Judges and Magistrates
“In order to reduce the number of court users who have to visit the registry and court, the customer care desks shall be strengthened through deployment of adequate staff and ICT equipment. This will ensure optimal utilization of the customer care desks and higher quality of service,” she said.
Courts in consultation with the CUC should also submit any requests for facilitation of any security infrastructure that is required to address identified gaps.
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