PRESS STATEMENT: Condolence Message on the death of Hon. Monica Kivuti, Principal Magistrate of Makadara Law Courts, following a shooting incident in court.

Nairobi, 15th June 2024 – It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that we at the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) have learned of the death of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti. Hon. Kivuti tragically succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during a shocking and unprovoked gun attack in an unfortunate incident at the Makadara Law Courts that happened on the 13^th of June, 2024. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Hon. Kivuti.

Hon. Kivuti was a dedicated and esteemed judicial officer committed to dispensing justice and the rule of law. Her loss is an immense tragedy, and our hearts go out to the Judiciary, Kenyans, and all who knew and loved her. At FIDA-Kenya, we worked extensively with the late Hon. Kivuti in various legal engagements, particularly the Court Users Committees and the legal open days. Recently, FIDA-Kenya was privileged to engage with Hon. Kivuti in the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Court Users Committee, the Children Service Week and the Legal Aid Day organized by the Judiciary. She was a passionate judicial officer committed to addressing the plight of the vulnerable in our community, particularly women and children.

Hon. Kivuti’s shooting and subsequent death underscores the grave dangers that judicial officers face while dispensing justice dutifully. Today, FIDA-Kenya mourns a remarkable magistrate whose work significantly contributed to our legal system and the country.

FIDA-Kenya also extends its deepest thoughts to the two police officers who were injured while courageously trying to assist Hon. Kivuti during the altercations. We wish them a quick and complete recovery from this traumatic experience. FIDA-Kenya fully supports Chief Justice Hon. Martha Koome as she implements much-needed changes to safeguard the lives and security of those who serve and get service in our courts.

FIDA-Kenya calls on all Kenyans to join us in supporting and cooperating with the judiciary and law enforcement bodies as they navigate these challenging times and work towards enhancing the safety of our courts for all judicial officers, litigants and members of the public. We must join hands to foster an environment where judicial officers administer justice without fear of violence or intimidation. Additionally, we join the Law Society of Kenya and call upon all FIDA-Kenya members and staff to participate in the purple ribbon campaign that will run throughout the week starting on Tuesday, the 18^th of June, 2024. The purple ribbon campaign aims to show solidarity with the Judiciary and honour the late Hon. Kivuti.

FIDA-Kenya, therefore, calls upon the Inspector General of Police, Japheth Koome, to ensure thorough investigations into the incident and calls on all stakeholders to support the Judiciary and the police in ensuring such incidents do not recur.

Let us honour the memory of the late Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti, who has died upholding her oath of office by supporting her values and ensuring that our judicial systems remain robust, secure, and just for all.

Christine Kungu

Chairperson, FIDA-Kenya

For further information and media enquiries, please reach us on Email: owuorm@fidakenya.org OR Call: Tel: 254 202 2604043/4 Mobile: 254-722509760/ 254710607241