In Kenya, in Nairobi, a tragic scene took place at the Makadara courthouse. A police officer shot magistrate Monica Kivuti after she refused to release her wife on bail.
The police officer, whose wife had pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining 2.9 million Kenyan shillings (about $22,700), entered the court through the entrance reserved for magistrates. Armed, he shot Monica Kivuti, hitting her in the chest and hip, also injuring three other police officers.
Authorities responded quickly, and the officer was shot and killed during a shootout with other law enforcement officers. The injured, including Monica Kivuti and the three police officers, were immediately treated and transported to hospital. Their condition is stable and they are currently receiving appropriate medical care.
Chief Justice Martha Koome said the police officer clearly intended to kill Magistrate Monica Kivuti. In response to this attack, she ordered increased security measures in all courts across the country to protect court personnel and prevent such incidents in the future.
The policeman’s wife had been charged with defrauding 2.9 million Kenyan shillings using false pretenses. The refusal of bail by Magistrate Kivuti likely triggered the police officer’s rage, pushing him to commit this act of violence.
