Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti (left), Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka (center), and Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu (right) at the burial ceremony of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti in Yatta, Machakos County, on June 22, 2024. IMAGE: Courtesy
In Summary:
- Kalonzo Musyoka condemns the shooting of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti and calls for better protection and funding for the judiciary.
- Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji emphasizes the need for judicial protection and promises to address the issue in parliament.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has expressed deep regret over the tragic shooting of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti at her court premises while she was performing her duties under a tent.
Kalonzo highlighted the irony of this incident occurring despite the 2010 Kenyan Constitution’s aim to fortify the judiciary.
Kalonzo addressed mourners at Kivuti’s burial ceremony in Yatta, Machakos County, emphasizing the need for adequate facilities and funding for the judiciary.
“It’s terrible that two high-profile killings have recently affected the people of Machakos, including Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti, who was shot while working under a tent,” he said, pointing out that the constitution intended to strengthen the judicial arm of the government.
Kalonzo criticized the lack of proper infrastructure for the judiciary, stressing that courts in all 47 counties should receive adequate funding from the exchequer.
“We expected that funding would trickle down to ensure that courts in counties are well-resourced,” he stated.
Kalonzo, alongside other leaders, condemned the magistrate’s killing, calling for an end to the misuse of firearms against judicial officers.
“Don’t shoot down our judges and magistrates. Don’t misuse firearms,” he asserted.
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji also condemned the incident, stressing the judiciary’s need for protection. “The judiciary deserves nothing less than the highest order of protection,” Mukunji said.
He expressed shock that Kivuti was conducting her duties in a tent, attributing such challenges to underfunding.
He called for Chief Justice Martha Koome and her deputy, Philomena Mwilu, to address the funding issues within the judiciary.
“It is high time we, as a country, do something about this,” Mukunji urged.
During his speech, Mukunji promised to introduce a motion in parliament to discuss the security of the judiciary.
“I will be issuing a motion of adjournment next week to ensure the protection of our judicial officers,” he announced.
He emphasized that judicial officers, who often deal with criminals and murderers, are easy targets and must be protected.
The burial ceremony, attended by hundreds of mourners including Kivuti’s colleagues, saw Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu lead the judiciary in honoring the deceased.
Kivuti was recently shot by a senior police officer at Makadara Law Courts and succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment in Nairobi.