Makadara Law Courts staff counselled following shooting

The Judiciary has initiated psycho-social counselling and support for Judicial officers and staff at Makadara Law Courts following the shooting incident that left principal magistrate Monicah Kivuti injured.

Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya convened a meeting earlier on Friday  with the affected officers at the Supreme Court.

The judicial officers underwent a counselling session conducted by a team of psychologists from Chiromo hospital led by Rose Ngondi.

Chief Registrar Mokaya expressed said the shooting incident, in which Magistrate Kivuti was shot by a senior police officer, has been deeply traumatic for the entire Judiciary.

"Our colleague is in stable condition and receiving treatment with the Judiciary committed to supporting her recovery," she reassured the judicial officers and staff.

Chief magistrate Tito Gesora, speaking on behalf of magistrates, urged the Judiciary to enhance security for Judicial officers and improve the infrastructure at Makadara Law Courts.

In response, Mokaya acknowledged the situation was dire and emphasised Judiciary's commitment to ensuring the safety of its officers and staff as they prepare to resume duties next week.

Chief Justice Martha Koome said on Thursday Makadara Law Courts would remain closed until Mondya, June 17 to allow for enhancement of security. 

Mokaya reiterated the CJ's message for the need for adequate funding to address both security and infrastructure concerns across all courts in the country.

"Security challenges at Makadara are aggravated by infrastructural issues," Mokaya said.

The Chief Registrar condemned the violent act that occurred within the court precincts and urged litigants dissatisfied with judicial decisions to seek redress through legal channels rather than resorting to violence.

The Judiciary’s Directorate of Human Resource Management and Development will continue providing psycho-social support for Judicial officers and staff next week to help them cope with the trauma resulting from the shooting incident.