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| Molo magistrates Chief Magistrate Elena Nderitu |
Molo magistrates on Tuesday called for enhanced public sensitisation campaigns to provide members of the public with a deeper understanding on the work they do as arbiters in different disputes.
The magistrates spoke when they joined their colleagues across the country in mourning the death of Makadara Law Court Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti, which occurred on June 13 of this year.
Chief Magistrate Elena Nderitu said, “As magistrates, our role is to apply the law and have no interest or bias. Our mandate is to follow the law so as to fulfil the tenets contained in our oath of office. We preside over hearing of different cases to fulfil Kenya’s vision of being a just society that respects and abides by the rule of law.”
Molo Court magistrates, staff and court users’ committee place candles around the photo of the late Makadara law courts Principal Magistrate, Monicah Kivuti. Photo by Millicent Asere
Nderitu pointed out that there are other alternatives to launching complaints, and this should be utilised by those who feel aggrieved and not use uncouth means to achieve perverted justice.
“Let us embrace our institution of justice and respect the custodians of justice. Injustice to you is injustice to me and all of us,” she noted.
In solidarity, they consoled the family of the late Kivuti while condemning the attack, saying that this is an act that should not be repeated.
Her sentiments come following the horrendous shooting incident that led to the killing of their colleague, Kivuti, on allegations that she had denied cash bail to an accused person, 48-year-old Jennifer Wairimu, facing charges of obtaining Sh2.9 million by false pretense.
Feeling bitter over Kivuti’s directive, Wairimu’s husband, who is also the OCS at Londiani Police Station, Samson Kipchirchir, was angered and went for the magistrate and shot her. He was immediately countered by the police orderlies in court, who shot him dead.
By Emily Kadzo and Millicent Asere