Photo: Courtesy
In a tragic turn of events, Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti has passed away.
She succumbed to injuries sustained from a shooting incident involving a Senior Police officer on Thursday.
Her untimely death was confirmed by a family source and colleagues who preferred to remain anonymous, speaking to the Star on Friday.
Magistrate Kivuti was known for her dedication to justice and her unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Her death has sent shockwaves through the legal community and beyond, leaving colleagues and friends grappling with the sudden loss of a respected and beloved figure.
Details surrounding the shooting incident remain under investigation, casting a shadow of uncertainty and prompting calls for a thorough and transparent inquiry. The incident has sparked widespread concern and sorrow, highlighting the need for accountability and justice in the face of such a grievous event.
As news of her passing spreads, tributes have begun pouring in from those who knew and admired her. Magistrate Kivuti’s legacy is one of integrity, professionalism, and an enduring commitment to her role in the judiciary. Her colleagues remember her as a beacon of fairness and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working with her.
The legal fraternity, along with her family and friends, mourns the loss of a remarkable individual whose life was tragically cut short. Plans for her memorial service and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, as the community comes together to honor her memory and celebrate her contributions to justice and society.
In this time of profound grief, the impact of Magistrate Monica Kivuti’s life and work will continue to be felt, a testament to her enduring influence and the deep respect she garnered throughout her career.
Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti succumbed to her injuries at Nairobi Hospital, where she had been transferred following a tragic shooting incident. She passed away at 11 pm on Thursday. Her body was moved to Lee Funeral Home, as confirmed by her family.
The devastating incident occurred after Magistrate Kivuti made a ruling in a case involving the wife of Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, who was stationed in Londiani, Kisumu. Kivuti had canceled the bond of Jenniffer Wairimu, the officer’s wife, who was accused of obtaining money by pretense amounting to Sh2.9 million and had absconded court sessions citing illness. The magistrate’s decision to remand Wairimu at Lang’ata Women’s Prisons angered Kipruto, who then entered the courtroom through the magistrate’s door and shot Kivuti in the chest and left hip.
Kivuti was initially rushed to Metropolitan Hospital and later transferred to Nairobi Hospital, where an urgent blood donation appeal was made to save her life. Despite these efforts, she succumbed to her injuries.
The Judiciary released a statement explaining that the shooting occurred immediately after Magistrate Kivuti pronounced her decision. Other officers in the courtroom responded swiftly, with one officer shooting and killing Kipruto on the spot. In the exchange, three other officers were injured.
Following the incident, operations at Makadara Law Courts were suspended. The Judiciary initiated psycho-social counseling and support for judicial officers and staff stationed at Makadara Law Courts. Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya met with judicial officers at the Supreme Court Building, where a team of psychologists from Chiromo Hospital led by Dr. Rose Ngondi conducted a counseling session. Mokaya emphasized the traumatic impact of the incident on the entire judiciary and committed to enhancing security measures and improving infrastructure at Makadara Law Courts.
The call for improved security and infrastructure was echoed by Chief Magistrate Tito Gesora and other judicial officers. They requested that the Judiciary management ensure the safety of judicial officers and staff as they resume duties. Mokaya acknowledged the urgent need for adequate funding to address these challenges and to provide a secure working environment for all judicial personnel.
The passing of Magistrate Monica Kivuti is a profound loss to the legal community. Her dedication to justice and her professional integrity will be remembered and honored. The incident underscores the critical need for enhanced security measures to protect judicial officers as they carry out their essential duties.
