Principal Magistrate Shot in Courtroom Attack at Makadara Law Courts

Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti found herself in the line of fire during an active court session at the Makadara Law Courts in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday afternoon.

The courtroom descended into chaos when Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, a police officer, opened fire on the magistrate shortly after she had delivered a ruling in a case involving his wife, Jenniffer Wairimu. The incident unfolded after Magistrate Kivuti denied bail to Wairimu, who was accused of obtaining Sh2.9 million through false pretences. Kipruto, seemingly enraged by the court's decision, took matters into his own hands in a display of extreme violence. He entered the courtroom through the magistrate's door and fired shots at Kivuti, striking her in the chest and left hip.

In a swift response, detectives on the scene engaged Kipruto, ultimately resulting in his death. However, the confrontation did not unfold without additional casualties. Augustine Michael Kithumbi sustained an injury to his left eye, Maureen Lepes was shot in the left leg, and Eunice Macharia sustained an injury to her left hand. Magistrate Kivuti's condition was stabilized, and she was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The incident has left the Makadara Law Courts community reeling in shock, prompting calls for enhanced security measures within court premises to safeguard the sanctity of judicial proceedings.

Chief Registrar of the JudiciaryW infridah Mokaya has issued a statement expressing concern for Magistrate Kivuti's well-being and extending condolences to the family of the deceased officer.