Chief Justice Martha Koome has declared Tuesday, June 18, a day of mourning for the entire Judiciary, in solidarity with the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Hon. Monica Kivuti, Makadara Law Court’s Principal Magistrate who was fatally shot on Thursday, June 13, during a live court session.
“No court will sit on this day. Matters that had been listed on Tuesday across all Courts and Tribunals will be accommodated in the Court dairies on priority basis,” reads a statement from CJ Koome.
Further, the Chief Justice has ordered the closure of Makadara Law Courts until Monday, June 24, 2024 to allow dismantling of the makeshift court structures and to allow reorganization for security reasons. All affected matters listed before Makadara Law Courts next week will be mentioned before Milimani Law Courts.
Thirdly, the CJ has also ordered that the Judiciary flag fly half-mast from today, June 15, across all court stations until Hon. Kivuti is laid to rest. Presiding Judges and Heads of Stations will lead the remembrance meetings in common rooms in all court stations across the country on Tuesday, June 18, at 10AM, to allow Judges, Judicial Officers, and Staff to commemorate the life of Hon. Kivuti. Courts in Nairobi will convene at Makadara and Milimani Law Courts.
CJ Koome has also assured Judicial Officers and Staff not only at the Makadara Law Courts but also in other court stations countrywide, of enhanced security and professional psychosocial support to cope with the devastating incident.
“The entire Judiciary is in deep mourning. We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and relatives of Hon. Kivuti, and we pray that the Almighty provides you with peace, grace, and fortitude to bear this loss,” CJ Koome has said.
