Makeshift courts banned by CJ Koome due to security concerns.  

According to Martha Koome, Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, judicial services will no longer be provided in temporary buildings.

According to Koome, the Judiciary is taking immediate action in response to the senseless death of Monica Kivuti, the Principal Magistrate of the Makadara Law Courts, and is actively collaborating with other pertinent state agencies and stakeholders on long-term measures to guarantee the safety and security of the court premises.
“Recall that the Judiciary has previously asked the Executive and Parliament to allocate adequate funds to modernize our court buildings to standards that would ensure the safe and effective performance of judicial functions,” said the Chief Justice.
The Chief Justice expressed dissatisfaction about the incomplete realization of the objective of establishing stable and safe court institutions in a communiqué distributed to newsrooms yesterday.
She stated that the long-term goal is to guarantee the security and safety of the court grounds for the public, judges, judicial officers, and personnel.
“We acknowledge these gaps and promise not to expose Judiciary personnel to security risks. We will take steps to ensure that security is not compromised, particularly in areas with inadequate infrastructure,” Koome said.
She said that all courts around the country will resume operations on Wednesday, 19th, Thursday, 20th, and Friday, 21st, with the exception of Makadara Law Courts, which are undergoing a reassessment for security reasons.
In addition, the CJ said that staff members, judges, and judicial officers will use virtual courts and establish permanent courts as needed.
According to Koome, she has received assurances from the Inspector General of Police that there is increased security for judges, judicial officers, and court personnel nationally.
“The Judiciary will continue to engage internally and with other pertinent government agencies and stakeholders to comprehensively address identified security gaps, even in light of these assurances,” the spokesperson said.
The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary will release a report on the infrastructure and security situation, outlining the resources required to address ongoing issues, the Chief Justice (CJ) also declared. She stated that the report will direct the Judiciary’s efforts to address the deficiencies and difficulties found.
She stated that the act goes against judicial independence, the rule of law, and core principles contained in the Constitution, even as the Judiciary continues to grieve the death of Magistrate Kivuti, who was killed while serving the country.
She said, “I am proud of and grateful to all judges, judicial officers, and staff who continue to deliver justice to Kenyans despite incredibly challenging circumstances.”
The CJ reaffirmed the orders of the Judiciary’s Leadership Team, which provide that every court station will adjust their schedule in accordance with Tuesday, June 18, 2024, being declared the Judiciary Day of grief, remembering, and prayers for Monica Kivuti.
She spoke of Kivuti as a brave cop who lost his life defending the law, sitting court in a tent, even at the midday meal.
“Providing services in accordance with the constitution, the rule of law, and her commitment to justice is the finest way we can honor her commitment. Any deviation from what Kivuti stands for that might result in chaos and lawlessness, Koome stated.
In addition, the CJ urged all judges, judicial officials, and personnel to maintain composure during this trying period of bereavement.