A senior police officer was fatally shot after he opened fire on a magistrate in a Nairobi courtroom, following a decision involving his wife, BBC reports.
Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, who managed a police station in Londiani, western Kenya, attacked Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti on Thursday. The incident occurred shortly after Magistrate Kivuti revoked bail for Kipruto’s wife due to her failure to appear in court.
Enraged by the ruling, Kipruto drew a gun and shot Magistrate Kivuti, injuring her, according to the BBC. Court officers intervened immediately, and in the ensuing confrontation, Kipruto was shot dead. Three other officers were also injured during the incident, as per a police report.
The judiciary confirmed that Magistrate Kivuti had revoked bail for an accused person who had jumped bond and did not provide satisfactory reasons for her absence. The judiciary’s statement read, “Immediately after this decision was pronounced, a person shot at the magistrate, injuring her on the hip.” Initial reports indicated that “the shooter is a police officer married to the suspect.”
The national police service mentioned that Kipruto was present in court for “unknown reasons,” and investigations are underway to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting. The injured magistrate and officers were initially reported to be receiving treatment in the hospital.
However, on Saturday, Justice Martha K. Koome announced on X that Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti had succumbed to her injuries. “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.”
“The Judiciary family stands in solidarity during this deeply traumatic time and calls for sensitivity and compassion as we share in grief,” said Justice Koome.
A source at Nairobi Hospital told The Star newspaper that Ms. Kivuti was shot in the chest and leg. In response to the incident, the judiciary has vowed to enhance security measures to ensure the safety of judicial staff and court attendees.
Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya expressed sympathy, stating, “As the judiciary family, we wish our colleague a quick recovery. We also send our condolences to the family of the officer who lost his life in this unfortunate incident.”
