The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has issued guidelines to courts following the tragic death of Magistrate Monica Kivuti, who was shot and injured at Makadara Law Courts on June 13, 2024.

In a statement issued on June 15, the commission expressed deep concern over the state of security across courts around the country, this it noted had prompted the adoption of the following guidelines.

“Concerned about the state of security across Courts around the country and with deep regard for the life of our dear colleague Hon. Kivuti and others injured or threatened with violence and intimidation while in the line of duty, the JLT made the following resolutions,” said the JSC

To honor Kivuti’s memory, the JSC announced that the Judiciary flag would fly at half-mast from today across all court stations until her burial.

Additionally, Tuesday, June 18, 2024, has been declared a day of mourning for the entire Judiciary and with Chief Justice Martha Koome noting that no court will sit on this day.

“Tuesday, 18th June 2024 is declared as a day of mourning for the entire Judiciary in solidarity with Hon Kivuti’s family, friends, and colleagues as well as all Judges, Judicial Officers and Staff who have been deeply affected by this tragedy. No Court will sit on this day.”

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JSC also noted that all matters listed on Tuesday will be accommodated in the court diaries on a priority basis.

Heads of Stations Are Directed to Lead Remembrance Meetings

Presiding Judges and Heads of Stations were directed to lead remembrance meetings in common rooms in all court stations across the country on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

This was to allow Judges, Judicial Officers, and Staff to commemorate Kivuti’s life and to commiserate with the family and one another.

Additionally, courts in Nairobi were directed to convene at Makadara and Milimani Law Courts.

JSC also announced that the Makadara Law Courts would remain closed until Monday, June 24, 2024, so as to allow the dismantling of makeshift court structures and reorganization for security reasons.

“The Judiciary administration will also work day and night to complete prefabs at Makadara Law Courts,” noted JSC.

To this effect, all affected matters that were set to be brought before the Makadara Law Courts next week have been referred to Milimani Law Courts.

Mental Support for Judicial Officers at Makadara Law Courts 

Also, JSC noted that Judicial Officers and Staff stationed at the Makadara Law Courts would continue to receive psycho-social support so as to better cope with the traumatic incident.

“We call upon professional medical and psychological counselling entities to provide complimentary psycho-social support to Judiciary members and affected court users/justice actors across the country.”

Also Read: Makadara Shooting: Judiciary Explains Events Before Gun Shots

Furthermore, the commission said it would engage the Executive and Parliament on the provision of additional resources to support the implementation of past security recommendations.

In addition, JSC asked the Ministry of Interior and the Office of Inspector General of Police to deploy additional officers to reinforce the complement of Officers in the Judiciary Police Unit.

They also asked the security agencies to reorganize the Judiciary Police Unit into a fully-fledged Police Unit under the leadership of a senior commanding officer with a fully functional Secretariat.

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