- The judiciary has committed staff who are ready to serve the public diligently but must be assured of safety
- Many cases of attacks and threats to judicial officers go unreported
Image: BY MATHEWS NDANYI
Judicial staff in Eldoret organised street processions to mourn their slain colleague, Magistrate Monica Kivuti.
Judges led the procession from the High Court to the law courts in the town.
They assured judiciary staff that they would work with security agencies to ensure they have a safe working environment.
Justice Reuben Nyakundi, who is the presiding judge in the region, said he had also faced threats in court and urged all court workers to be transparent and caring of each other.
“Magistrate Kivuti’s death is painful but a lesson for us to reflect on our work and think of what Kenyans say at the end of everything,” Nyakundi said.
“We pray for the soul of our departed colleague and ask God for guidance through this difficult time.”
The judge said the judiciary had committed staff who were ready to serve the public diligently but must be assured of safety.
“I have worked for the judiciary for over 37 years and I always pray to God for guidance whenever I go to court.”
Justice Robert Wananda said what happened to Kivuti could happen to any court user, hence the need for proper security measures in courts.
“It's not time for blame games but let's look at what we can do in the future,” Wananda said.
He added that many cases of attacks and threats to judicial officers went unreported.
Justice Jane Onyango said it was unfortunate that some Kenyans were using the death of Kivuti to attack the judiciary unfairly.
“As judges, magistrates and other court users we are all human and this is not the time to be insensitive against us,” Onyango said.
The judge added that although it was now evident that the work undertaken by court officers is risky, they would remain committed to serve Kenyans.
Justice Maurine Onyango said citizens should be sensitised on the need to support the work of the judiciary.
“Kenyans should know that it is for their good to have an independent judiciary to help sustain the rule of law,” she said.
Justice Emilly Ominde said the welfare of magistrates and judges was a key issue that must be addressed.
“Let Monica’s death not be in vain but a wake up call that judges and magistrates must be secured so that they can also go back to their families at the end of the day,” Ominde said.
She said despite disparaging remarks about the judiciary being made on social media, the truth must be told about the safety of judicial officers.
Lawyers also took part in the procession.
LSK branch chairman Henry Kenei said, “We are here to join other judiciary staff and Kenyans in mourning the death of our colleague. It is something very unfortunate and should never happen again.”