Correctional Services Principal Secretary Salome Beacco has pledged to enhance the safety of probation officers following last week’s tragic shooting at the Makadara law courts that resulted in the death of a magistrate.
Speaking to probation officers at the Nairobi probation hostel in Makadara during a debriefing session, the PS said probation officers are a critical cog in the criminal justice system.
She termed Thursday’s incident as unprecedented even as she urged for calm saying requisite measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of the officers.
“One of the greatest conquests against your enemy is refusing to be discouraged. Continue with what you have been doing, the best days are ahead of you,” the PS told the probation officers.
She said the State Department for Correctional Services has already commenced psychosocial support for officers affected by the unfortunate incident especially the nine officers who were within the court precincts during the shooting incident.
She said the move is in line with this year’s department’s theme of mental wellness for effective service delivery which is being escalated across the regions.
The PS later proceeded to the Makadara law courts to join judicial officers who were mourning Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti.
While mourning the late Kivuti as an exemplary jurist and defender of justice, the PS urged members of the judiciary not to be derailed by the incident but to sustain their pursuit of justice and commitment to the rule of law.