- He addressed mourners during Kivuti's burial ceremony in Yatta, Machakos County on Saturday.
- Kalonzo said the judicial ought to have been well funded to have adequate facilities with standard structures to enable magistrates and judges to work in conducive environments.
Image: COURTESY
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has said it's unfortunate that principal magistrate Monica Kivuti was shot at her court premises, and her workstation while discharging her duties under a tent.
Kalonzo said the Kenyan Constitution 2010 was meant to strengthen the Judiciary.
"It's terrible coincident that two high profile killings have happened touching on the people of Machakos, that of principal magistrate Monica Kivuti who was shot at working under a tent while we all know that under the Constitution 2010, the Constitution was to strengthen the judicial arm of the government," Kalonzo said.
He addressed mourners during Kivuti's burial ceremony in Yatta, Machakos County on Saturday.
Kalonzo said the judicial ought to have been well funded to have adequate facilities with standard structures to enable magistrates and judges to work in conducive environments.
He said other than the judicial headquarters, courts in the 47 counties also need to be empowered through adequate funding and resources from the exchequer.
"We expected of course that that would trickle down, courts in counties be well funded," Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo joined other leaders who attended the burial ceremony in condemning the magistrate's killing.
"Don't shoot down our judges and magistrates. Don't misuse firearms," Kalonzo said.
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji said the Judiciary deserves nothing less than protection.
"It's not a favour, you deserve the protection of the highest order," Mukunji said.
"I was shocked when I read the story that Monica Kivuti was doing her judicial duties in a tent. I know that's a challenge that comes with underfunding of our Judiciary," Mukunji said.
He said it was high time under the guidance of Chief Justice Martha Koome and her deputy Philomena Mwilu to look at the Judiciary's funding issue.
"Because we need to do something as a country," he said.
"I join the voice of saying our judicial officers aren't supposed to be killed. They are supposed to execute their duties without fear."
The legislator said it was sad that the country doesn't have enough resources and infrastructure for the Judiciary. He condemned the magistrate's killing.
"I will be issuing a motion of adjournment next week to discuss the security of the Judiciary because I believe they deserve nothing less," Mukunji said.
The legislator said in court, that one has to feel pain while the other gets justice.
He said in that scenario, "We don't want people full of emotions taking advantage and making our judicial officers lose their lives."
"You guys are easy targets. You deal with criminals and murderers, you have to be protected. I will be tabling that motion to ensure your protection is mandatory," Mukunji said.
Hundreds of mourners including the deceased's colleague magistrates and judges attended the burial ceremony.
Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu led the Judiciary in the event.
Kivuti was shot at by a senior cop while on duty at Makadara Law Courts recently.
She succumbed to the bullet wounds while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital.
The magistrate is survived by a widower and three children.