JSC condemns shooting of Makadara magistrate

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has condemned the shooting of Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti.

In a statement, the JSC expressed concern about the incident saying it was appalling as it happened at a place where disputes are resolved through legal process, a place that signifies justice.

The Commission commended the police officers stationed at Makadara Law Courts who swiftly responded to the attack.

In addition, JSC lauded the prompt action taken by the Judiciary to provide the necessary support to staff and the National Police Service for securing the scene and commencing investigations.

The Commission assured all Judges, Judicial Officers, staff, stakeholders and the public at large of its commitment to ensuring their safety in all court stations.

"The JSC will work with relevant agencies to enhance security in all courts and ensure that similar incidences do not happen again," it said.

The Commission wished Kivuti and the injured police officers a quick recovery.

The JSC implored the relevant security agencies to conduct thorough investigations with a view to establishing the circumstances leading to this unfortunate incident.

Kivuti was shot on Thursday by a police officer after delivering a ruling in a case involving the latter's wife.

The Judiciary said the magistrate had "cancelled the bond for an accused person who had jumped bond and had failed to offer satisfactory explanations for jumping bond".

"Immediately this decision was pronounced, a person shot at the magistrate and injured her on the hip," it said in a statement.

Following the act of violence, Officer Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, who was in charge of a police station in Londiani in Kisumu,  was shot dead.

A police report said other officers in court responded immediately and in the process, three officers were injured.

The magistrate and the injured officers are being treated in hospital.