Kenyan Police Officer Shot Dead After Opening Fire on Magistrate in Nairobi Courtroom.
By Caroline Ameh
A senior Kenyan police officer was fatally shot after he opened fire on Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti at a Nairobi magistrate court on Friday. The shooting occurred shortly after the magistrate ruled on a case involving the officer’s wife, who had her bail canceled.
The officer, identified as Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, was the head of a police station in Londiani, western Kenya.
Reports indicate he became enraged when Magistrate Kivuti revoked his wife’s bail, who had failed to comply with court obligations. In a sudden outburst, Kipruto drew his firearm and shot Magistrate Kivuti, injuring her.
The judiciary swiftly responded, stating, “Immediately this decision was pronounced, a person shot at the magistrate and injured her on the hip.” Other officers present in the courtroom acted promptly, firing at Kipruto and fatally injuring him.
In the ensuing chaos, three additional officers sustained injuries. All injured parties, including Magistrate Kivuti, are currently receiving medical treatment.
According to the judiciary, Magistrate Kivuti had canceled bail for an individual who had absconded and provided inadequate explanations for their absence. Initial reports suggest that Kipruto was married to the individual whose bail was revoked.
The national police service has launched investigations into the incident, describing Kipruto’s presence in court as for “unknown reasons.”
The shocking act of violence has deeply unsettled the nation, particularly as it involves a police officer inside a courtroom prompting the judiciary to announce plans to bolster security measures to safeguard judicial staff and court users in response to the incident.
Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya conveyed wishes for Magistrate Kivuti’s swift recovery and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased officer. “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,” said Mokaya.
