- Monica's death has left colleagues grappling with profound grief and disbelief.
- She was shot on Thursday, June 13 by an armed police officer while executing her duties.
Image: DOUGLAS OKIDDY
A somber mood engulfed the Makdara Law courts as family, friends and the Judiciary fraternity gathered to mourn the life of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti.
In a solemn service marked by both tears and fond memories, all those in attendance were in agreement that her death will not be in vain.
Chief Justice Martha Koome assured the legal fraternity that the tragic incident will not happen again as they are working with other relevant stakeholders to boost security in all court stations.
"We will engage parliament and executive to make funds available for this to be a reality," Koome said.
"No one will attend court premises while armed with the exception of officers who are properly accredited," the CJ added.
Monica's death has left colleagues grappling with profound grief and disbelief.
She was shot on Thursday, June 13 by an armed police officer while executing her duties.
She later passed on while undergoing treatment in hospital.
Her death opened up wounds of the past for many judicial officers and judges.
Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu was one of them.
She was overcome with emotions as she recalled memories of her own incidents and threats two days ahead of the country's re-run of presidential elections in 2017.
"It was on October 14, 2017 soon after the nullification of the 2017 elections. If I were in my car, I would be dead. Some Kenyan shot my driver and asked, "Where is mama?" she said.
"We have had many attacks. But for how long are we going to live like this and do nothing about our lives?" she remarked.
Her plea, "Please stop killing us, our lives matter" underscored their deep sorrow and calls for an end to the violence that has tragically taken the life of one of their colleagues.
Staff at the Makadara said Kivuti will not only be remembered for her professional competence but also for her personal attributes. "She was a woman dedicated to her craft. She was firm and fair in executing her duties" they said.
In honoring her legacy, they pledged to continue her mission of fairness and integrity within the legal realm.
The judiciary at the same time announced that they will be building a stone of remembrance for the late Magistrate who died while in pursuit of justice
"Our hearts are heavy but our spirit remains strong," said the CJ.
Attorney General Justin Muturi who was also present mourned Kivuti as a dedicated servant of the law.
"She was known for her fairness and unyielding pursuit for justice and her compassion,"
"It behooves us all to work collaboratively to ensure there's safety for all that seek justice within court stations," he added.
Kivuti joined as resident magistrate in July 2013. She became principal magistrate in 2023. She served in Kiambu and Baringo stations.