Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) Philomena Mwilu has made an appeal to members of the public following the tragic death of Magistrate Monica Kivuti, who was shot during a court session.
Speaking at a special ceremony held at Makadara Law Courts to mourn and celebrate Kivuti’s life, DCJ Mwilu emphasized that the Judiciary’s work is a constitutional duty.
She acknowledged that judicial officers may sometimes get things wrong but urged the public to seek legal recourse instead of resorting to violence.
“What we do is a constitutional imperative, and if we are wrong as sometimes, we may in fact be, please stop killing us.”
“Don’t kill us, don’t even attempt to kill us. Appeal, the remedy for us getting it wrong is not killing us, it is appealing,” Mwilu pleaded.
DCJ Mwilu Makes Appeal to the Public
Additionally, she urged members of the public not to take matters into their own hands especially when suspicions arise about a judge being corrupt.
“If you think we are corrupt, don’t kill us, instead report us to the Judicial Service Commission and provide evidence to ensure we are removed from office,” said DCJ Mwilu.
The DCJ called on those responsible for providing security to take action, rather than just engaging in “empty talks.”
She stressed that the Judiciary is employed by the Kenyan people, who pay taxes, and therefore deserve to be protected.
“Those of us in leadership, we must do something to stop hurting us at our place of work and the law is clear and it says that the employer will be the person to provide a safe working place… we are employed by the people of Kenya, we all pay taxes, protect us and don’t kill us,” stated Mwilu.
Also Read: Monica Kivuti Profile: From Directline Insurance to Judiciary
Mwilu Recounts Her Own Near-Death Experience
Mwilu recounted her own harrowing experience in 2017, shortly after the nullification of the presidential election.
She shared that if she had been in her car, she would have been killed when an unknown person shot at the vehicle and asked for her.
“On the 24th of October 2017 soon after the Nullification of the 2017 election petition if I was in my car, I would be dead because some stupid Kenyan shot at the car and asked my driver “Ako wapi Mama” but I was not in the car.”
The DCJ explained that the person when on to shot at her car, severely injuring her driver in the process.
“He stopped the bullet that was meant for me, and up to date he still suffers the effects of that bullet,” she said.
“For how long are we going to do nothing about our lives? Our lives matter, they matter,” Mwilu said, visibly emotional.
Also Read: CJ Koome Issues Directives to Courts Following Death of Magistrate
CJ Koome Speaks After Death of Monica Kivuti
Speaking at the same event, Chief Justice Martha Koome assured that steps were being taken to ensure the safety of court premises and the protection of court officials.
“I want to assure you that we will do all in our powers to ensure that this does not happen again!” stated the CJ.
Additionally, CJ Koome noted that the killing of a judicial officer in the seat of justice is unprecedented and amounts to an attack on judicial independence and the rule of law.
Also, she observed that the death of Hon Kivuti was one of the most difficult moments in the history of Kenya’s justice system.
“It will take time to recover, to undo the damage, and to heal the wounds and pain caused by this heinous act. But I am sure that our resilience will enable us to overcome this cowardly attack and emerge even stronger,” said CJ Koome.
The CJ noted that Magistrate Kivuti died serving the cause of justice, living up to her calling on the altar of justice.
“Indeed, the fact that she was attacked while sitting and serving Kenyans in a tent and over lunch hour is a testament to her dedication and calling to serve the public,” said Justice Koome.
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