Judge and Court Staff Injured in Nairobi Courtroom Shooting by Police Officer
Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti shot by officer raise concerns about judicial security
A judge in Nairobi, Kenya, was injured on Thursday when a police officer opened fire in a courtroom, also wounding three court employees. The officer was subsequently killed, leaving the courtroom in shock and chaos.
The officer, identified as Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, began shooting in Court Number 9 shortly after Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti issued a ruling involving his wife. The ruling ordered her to remain in custody pending a probation report in a case of land acquisition by false pretenses.
« The Judiciary strongly condemns this act of violence and calls upon the national security agencies to respond to this occurrence with utmost urgency and sensitivity, » stated Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome. « The perpetrator forcibly entered the court through the Magistrate’s entrance and fired shots at Hon. Kivuti, severely injuring her in the chest and pelvic area. It is evident that the perpetrator intended to kill the Magistrate. »
Koome emphasized that the shooting raises serious concerns about judicial security. A court orderly and two officers who attempted to protect the magistrate were also injured by gunfire.
The incident, occurring in a public courtroom, exposed judicial officers, court users, and the public to a significant threat of violence and injury.
Koome reiterated that individuals are prohibited from entering court premises while armed, with the exception of officers accredited to provide security at specific court locations.