Legal
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Southwest Branch lawyers have urged the government to beef up the security of judicial officers who are handling sensitive matters at the law courts.
Speaking after a peaceful demonstration to mourn the tragic death of Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti, who was shot one week ago, the Branch’s Chairman Benard Gichana termed the incident as unfortunate saying it appears the security at the law courts had been compromised.
The Principal Magistrate succumbed to injuries sustained from the shooting incident that involved a Senior Police officer while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital. “As LSK, we condemn the senseless and barbaric killing of the Magistrate who lost her life while in the line of duty. As stakeholders in the justice system, we also feel that our lives are not safe,” said Gichana.
He called upon the government to provide additional security to the judicial officers at their residential homes so that they can conduct their work diligently without feeling threatened. The Chairman noted they had met the area County Commissioner who assured them that he will enhance security at the Kisii Law Courts as from Thursday, June 20.
Further, Gichana encouraged the judicial officers to remain brave and act firmly while handling their work in order to make just decisions that will ensure the criminal justice system is safeguarded. He eulogized the late magistrate as a very young and dynamic colleague who had a bright future ahead, but unfortunately, her life was cut short leaving behind a very small child.
The lawyers together with other Judiciary workers walked along the Kisii-Migori Highway in Kisii town towards the County Commissioner’s office before converging at the Kisii Law Courts, where they conveyed their condolences to the family of the departed magistrate.