A magistrate was injured and a police officer killed in a shocking shooting incident at the Makadara Law Courts in Nairobi on Thursday, stemming from a bond revocation ruling that drew the ire of the accused’s law enforcement spouse.
Unfolding in the Makadara courtroom, the magistrate was shot in the hip by a police officer after she canceled the bond for an accused person who had absconded, according to a statement from the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary. The accused failed to offer a satisfactory explanation for violating the bond terms.
“Immediately this decision was pronounced, a person shot at the Magistrate and injured her on the hip,” the statement read. “Police Officers in the scene responded and neutralized the shooter.”
Preliminary reports indicate the shooter was a police officer married to the accused suspect whose bond was revoked, in a chilling twist emphasizing the grave risks faced by judicial officers.
“As the Judiciary family, we wish our colleague a quick recovery,” said Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya. “We also send our condolences to the family of the officer who lost his life in this unfortunate incident.”
The shooting has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s legal community, raising concerns over court safety and prompting calls for enhanced security measures.
“We will enhance our security protocols for civilians visiting our courts as well as security officers who visit courts in circumstances that do not require them to be armed,” Ms. Mokaya stated.
The magistrate is currently receiving treatment.
