-
Magistrate Kivuti was shot on June 13 at the Makadara Law Courts and succumbed to the injuries sustained from the shooting incident days later.
-
CJ Koome extended his condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Magistrate Kivuti.
Image: SCREEN GRAB
Chief Justice Martha Koome has mourned the slain Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti.
Koome described Kivuti as a strong, reliable, and steadfast pillar who significantly contributed to the administration of justice in Kenya.
Magistrate Kivuti was shot on June 13 at the Makadara Law Courts and succumbed to the injuries sustained from the shooting incident days later.
CJ Koome extended his condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Magistrate Kivuti.
She said Kenya's system can learn from her example, her passionate commitment to justice, her unfailing fairness and her service beyond the call of duty.
Koome said that her contributions have left an indelible mark on the Judiciary and the nation.
"The unimaginable hurt that the family, friends, and relatives of Kivuti are experiencing is shared by the entire Judiciary family," Koome said.
"Every member of the Judiciary feels this loss deeply, as what happened to Honourable Kivuti could have happened to any of us. Our hearts are broken, and our faith is shaken. We are all grieving with you," she said.
CJ Koome said that no member of the Judiciary has ever anticipated any of their colleagues to have been killed in the seat of justice.
She said that during her tenure, she has never anticipated the killing of a judge, judicial officer, or judiciary staff in the courtroom in connection to their work.
"This tragedy has not only taken a beloved colleague but has also shaken the very foundation of our justice system," the CJ said.
The CJ said that Kivuti’s professional journey will serve as an inspiration to members of the Judiciary and Kenyans across the country.
Kivuti began as a young lawyer in private practice to serving as a Magistrate since 2013.
"She exemplified how, despite challenges, we can all achieve our aspirations and positively impact those around us, contributing to our national progress. Her story is one of dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice," CJ Koome added.
According to the CJ, Magistrate Kivuti was a compassionate judicial officer, committed to her calling, who was kind, decent, humane, fair-minded, and courteous to all.
Koome added that her dedication was evident in her willingness to serve even under difficult circumstances.
This, she said, was shown by her working through lunch hour in a makeshift tent at the time of her tragic shooting.
She mourned her as a selfless and dedicated Magistrate to her duty, a testament to her character and commitment.
"We have lost, all too soon, a competent, humane, and respected judicial officer who enhanced public trust and confidence in our legal system in every court station she served, from Kiambu Law Court to Baricho Law Court and Makadara Law Court till her untimely demise. Her legacy is one of integrity and unwavering dedication to justice," she said.
She said that Kenyans can honour and keep the legacy of Kivuti alive by living her example of serving selflessly and courageously.
CJ Koome called on the Judiciary to remain united and resolute in commitment to justice and the rule of law.
"We will work together, all of us, with other players in the justice sector and the government, to ensure that our workplace is safe for all of us," CJ Koome said.
"Let us continue caring for each other, upholding the values that Hon. Kivuti stood for with every fibre of our being. We owe it to her memory to create a safer and more just environment for all."
She thanked family, friends and members of the Judiciary for reaching out and supporting them in various ways.