After the death of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti, Chairperson of the Retirement Benefits Authority, Nelson Havi, has offered advice to Chief Justice Martha Koome on ensuring the safety of judges and judicial officers without involving the police.
The former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president while reacting to directives issued to the Ministry of Interior and security organs by the CJ clarified that the judge was killed by a police officer, not a civilian.
“My Lady CJ Martha Koome, Honorable Monica Kivuti was killed by a policeman and not a civilian. Cease your alignment with unnecessary Executive control of the Judiciary,” Havi emphasized.
According to Havi, CJ Koome should direct magistrates to prioritize traits such as being humane and respectful, noting that this would eliminate the need for having police officers as security in court premises.
“Advise Magistrates to embody consideration, honesty, humanity, and respect. They will not require police security,” he asserted.
Kivuti was shot and injured during a live session at the Makadara Law Courts in Nairobi on June 13, 2024.
She was shot by Londiani Police station OCS Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto who was shot dead on the spot. CJ Koome announced that Kivuti died on Saturday, June 15 from injuries sustained during the shooting incident.
CJ Koome Declares Mourning Day for Monica Kivuti
The CJ declared Tuesday, June 18, a mourning day stating that the Judiciary flag will fly at half-mast across all court stations until Kivuti is laid to rest.
“Matters that had been listed on Tuesday across all Courts and Tribunals will be accommodated in the Court diaries on priority basis,” she said.
“Presiding Judges and Heads of Stations will lead remembrance meetings in common rooms in all court stations across the country on Tuesday 18th June 2024 at 10 am to allow Judges, Judicial Officers and Staff commemorate the life of Kivuti,” Koome directed.
Also Read: Monica Kivuti Death: Atheists’ President Raise Burning Questions
Makadara Law Courts Closed
Besides, she ordered the closure of Makadara Law Courts until Monday, June 24, 2024, to allow dismantling of the makeshift court structures and to allow reorganization for security reasons.
Pending matters listed before Makadara Law Courts in the week beginning June 16 will be mentioned before Milimani Law Courts as directed by the Chief Justice.
Koome further stated that judicial officers and staff at the Makadara Law Courts will continue to receive psycho-social support to cope with this devastating incident.
Also Read: “Judiciary Police Unit”- LSK Security Issues Demands After Death of Magistrate Monica Kivuti
Boosting Security
She affirmed that the Judiciary administrative units will work on boosting security across all court stations using available resources.
“In the meantime, the Judiciary leadership will engage the Executive and Parliament on additional resources to support the implementation of past recommendations touching on securing the Judiciary, a matter that has been discussed repeatedly with the concerned Agencies for many years,” she said.
She called on the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the Office of Inspector General of Police to deploy additional officers to reinforce the complement of Officers in the Judiciary Police Unit.
Additionally, Koome urged the security organs 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.
“The Judiciary wishes to reassure the Judges, Judicial Officers and Staff that it is acutely aware of the security concerns that they continually face in the dispensation of justice and is taking the necessary measures to address their concerns,” she said.
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