Kenyan Policeman Shoots Magistrate in Nairobi Courtroom

A senior Kenyan police officer was fatally shot after opening fire on Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti in a Nairobi court. The incident occurred shortly after Magistrate Kivuti ruled to cancel the bail of the officer's wife, who had absconded.

Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, in charge of a police station in Londiani, western Kenya, was angered by the decision and shot Magistrate Kivuti, injuring her in the hip. Immediate response from other officers in the courtroom resulted in Kipruto being shot dead. In the chaos, three other officers sustained injuries and are receiving treatment along with Magistrate Kivuti.

The judiciary explained that the magistrate had revoked the bond of an accused person who had failed to appear in court and provide satisfactory explanations. Kipruto, the husband of the accused, was present in court for undisclosed reasons and reacted violently to the ruling.

The shooting has shocked Kenyans, as it is unprecedented for such an incident to occur within a courtroom, despite past accusations of police involvement in extrajudicial killings. The judiciary has pledged to enhance security measures to ensure the safety of judicial staff and court users.

Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Winfridah Mokaya, expressed wishes for Magistrate Kivuti's swift recovery and extended condolences to the family of the deceased officer. The national police service has launched an investigation to uncover the circumstances leading to the shooting.