In a shocking incident at a Nairobi magistrate court, a senior Kenyan police officer was shot dead after he opened fire at Makadara Principal Magistrate, Monica Kivuti. The incident occurred shortly after the magistrate made a ruling in a case reportedly involving the officer’s wife.
The officer, identified as Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, who headed a police station in Londiani, western Kenya, was reportedly enraged by the court’s decision to cancel his wife’s bail after she had absconded. In a fit of anger, Kipruto pulled out a gun and shot Magistrate Kivuti, injuring her.
The judiciary said in a statement, “Immediately this decision was pronounced, a person shot at the magistrate and injured her on the hip.”
Responding immediately, other officers present in the courtroom shot Kipruto, killing him on the spot. In the ensuing chaos, three other officers were injured. All injured parties, including the magistrate, are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
The judiciary confirmed that Magistrate Kivuti had “cancelled the bond for an accused person who had jumped bond and failed to offer satisfactory explanations for jumping bond.” Following this pronouncement, Kipruto opened fire, injuring Kivuti on the hip. Initial reports indicate that Kipruto was married to the suspect whose bail was canceled.
The national police service stated that Kipruto was in the court for “unknown reasons” and that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting.
The incident has shocked Kenyans, as it is unprecedented for such an act of violence involving a police officer to occur inside a courtroom, even though the police have previously faced accusations of involvement in extra-judicial killings.
In response to the incident, the judiciary has announced plans to enhance security measures to ensure the safety of judicial staff and court users. Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya extended wishes for a speedy recovery to Magistrate Kivuti 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.
The investigation into this tragic and shocking event continues.
Melissa Enoch
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