Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has assured all Judicial officers of their safety while administering their duties following the unsettling killing of Makadara Law Courts’ Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti.

Kivuti was shot in the chest and pelvic area by Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, the OCS of Londiani police station, amid a court proceeding on June 13, 2024. She later succumbed to injuries at Nairobi Hospital. 

In a statement on Monday, IG Koome asserted that the National Police Service (NPS) will remain firm in ensuring that all judicial officers including Chief Justice Martha Koome will be accorded full-time security.

"NPS Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) and the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) Unit continue to provide security to Court buildings among other critical infrastructure," said Koome.

"Police stations assign protective safety and security duties to all courts countrywide."

The security of judicial officers was reinforced in 2021 when the Judiciary Police Unit was established to provide security to the Judiciary and allow efficiency in securing Judicial staff.

Koome further condoled with Kivuti's family for her demise, further wishing swift recovery to two officers who were injured on the fateful day.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) and Kenya Judiciary Staff Association (KJSA) have announced the stoppage of all judicial services from June 19-24, 2024 and that the suspension will be subject to review "if circumstances dictate by inaction".

They are calling for the installation of prudent measures that will ensure the safety of judges, while also making a raft of recommendations to protect judicial staff including preventing the wearing of masks and hoodies by suspects in courtrooms.

They added that Kivuti's case is one amongst many that has seen the lives of judges being at risk as they have been attacked in courtrooms.