Judiciary is today (Tuesday) observing National Day of Mourning to celebrate the life of principal magistrate Monica Kivuti who was shot during an active court session in Nairobi.
Kivuti succumbed to gunshot wounds inflicted by a police officer on the 13th of June 2024 at the Makadara Law Courts.
According to Chief Justice Martha Koome the day will be observed in every court. She has called on Kenyans to join the Judiciary family in their nearest court station starting at 10am.
“Each court station will customize their programme accordingly. Hon. Kivuti was a gallant officer who died protecting the rule of law, holding court in a tent and over lunch hour. The best way we can honour her commitment is by continuing to provide services in adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law” said the CJ in a statement.
Judiciary National Day of Mourning: Celebrating the life of Hon Monica Kivuti. The day will be observed in every court. Join the Judiciary family in your nearest court station at 10am. pic.twitter.com/Fcm00Lyyv0
— The Judiciary Kenya (@Kenyajudiciary) June 18, 2024
Court sittings across the country will resume Wednesday with the exception of Makadara Law Court which is under re-evaluation for security purposes.
While declaring the day of mourning CJ Koome said matters that had been listed for Tuesday across all courts and tribunals will be accommodated in the court diaries on a priority basis.
“Consequently, courts nationwide will proceed with their operations on Wednesday, 19th; Thursday, 20th; and Friday, 21st; except for Makadara Law Courts, which is under re-evaluation for security purposes” she said even as she banned the use of make-shift structures over security concerns.
Going forward, she announced Judges, Judicial Officers, and Staff will be required to utilize virtual courts and secured permanent courts as needed.
Judges, magistrates and Kadhis have however maintained they will not work from Wednesday to Friday to protest ‘poor working conditions’.
Read related: Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, has also addressed judiciary security concerns.
