Kenyan judge shot in Nairobi courtroom succumbs to injuries

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Kenya's Chief Justice Martha Koome on Saturday announced the death of Judge Monica Kivuti who was shot on Thursday in a busy courtroom by a police officer.

Magistrate Monica Kivuti of the Makadara Law Courts in Nairobi succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital after the shootout that occurred when Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, the police boss at Londiani police station, opened fire in Court Number 9 following a ruling that involved his wife.

"It is with a heavy heart that I inform the nation that Hon. Monica Kivuti, principal magistrate, Makadara Law Courts, has lost the fight against the extensive injuries sustained during an open gun attack in court," Koome said.

"We condole with the family, friends and the entire judiciary fraternity during this very difficult period of mourning," she added.

Koome said the judiciary stands in solidarity and calls for sensitivity and compassion, adding that a comprehensive statement on the matter would be issued shortly.

The incident has heightened concerns about security in judicial institutions across the East African country, with Koome banning firearms in judicial spaces, unless the officers have received prior accreditation.