CJ Koome: Court operations to resume on Wednesday

All courts across the country will resume their operations on Wednesday Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced.

The Courts suspended some services last week following guidance from the judiciary leadership after Makadara Principal Magistrate Monicah Kivuti was shot by a senior police officer during an open session.

The magistrate had since succumbed to injuries.

Koome said on Monday that while the judiciary is still mourning Kivuti, it would resume proceedings in honour of the magistrate's ideals and to avert a breakdown of the rule of law.

The judiciary has set Tuesday as the day of mourning, remembrance, and prayers for Hon. Monica Kivuti.

The CJ directed that each court station will customise 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," she said.

She said in a statement that the best way the judiciary can honour the magistrate's commitment is by continuing to provide services in adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law.

"Any lapse that might lead to lawlessness and anarchy would be contrary to what Hon. Kivuti stood for. We are committed to honouring her dedication to justice by following her example," she said.

Koome said that Makadara law courts will remain closed as the situation is being reviewed before it is reopened.

"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,'' the CJ said.

The CJ directed that Judges, Judicial Officers, and Staff were free to utilise virtual courts and secured permanent courts as needed.