Judicial services to be paralysed this week as colleagues protest Magistrate Kivuti killing
![Judicial services to be paralysed this week as colleagues protest Magistrate Kivuti killing Judicial services to be paralysed this week as colleagues protest Magistrate Kivuti killing](https://citizentv.obs.af-south-1.myhuaweicloud.com/125065/conversions/Milimani-court-og_image.webp)
File image of the Milimani Law Courts.
Judicial
services are set to be paralysed this week as judges, magistrates and judicial
staffers withdraw services in protest at the killing of magistrate Monica Kivuti.
United
in grief and the aftershock of the killing of their colleague, judges,
magistrates and judiciary staff members gathered at the doorstep of justice in Nairobi's
Milimani courts.
The
judges and magistrates recounted the last minute of their slain colleague, whose
life was taken in the line of duty, in a place where she was expected to be
safe.
“The
late Hon. Kivuti had just delivered a ruling that caused the trigger-happy
senior police officer to majestically and unfettered, walk towards her, draw a
gun at her at the close of less than one metre, scold her for the ruling she
had delivered, before pulling the trigger and aimed at her vitals,” said Stephen
Radido, president of the Kenya Judges and Magistrates Association (KJMA).
“Four
bullets lodged in the body of Hon Kivuti.”
In
the aftermath of that tragic shooting, the judges, magistrates and judiciary
service staffers are demanding a better working environment that includes both
the physical infrastructure and the working environment.
They
faulted the government for not ensuring this happens, and the result has been
the endangering of the lives of those who serve in this sector.
“The
organs of government which should be facilitating the judiciary to ensure a
safe and secure workspace have failed,” said Radido.
In a bid to push for the enhancement of their
safety and security and to stand in solidarity with the family of the deceased,
they will be staying away from work.
“Members
of the KMJA and KJSA; being the judges, magistrates, Kadhis, registrars, deputy
registrars, and judicial staff will stop providing services from the 19th day of
June 2024 to the 21st day of June 2024, both days inclusive,” said the KJMA
president.
And
when they return to work, they say they will also expect a raft of changes to
keep them safe, including the prohibition of firearms in the courtrooms unless
sanctioned by the courts.
They
will also not allow any court users to appear in court while concealing their
identities.
“Members
of the KMJA and the KJSA shall not conduct any Judicial Proceedings in the open
air whether under a tent, container, any makeshift structure or otherwise,”
Radido added.
The
judicial officers say the government must act quickly to reassure them that not
only are they safe, but that the rule of law will be respected and implemented
fully.
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