A Kenyan Principal Magistrate, Monica Kivuti, shot by a senior police officer in a courtroom on Thursday has died. 

In a statement on Saturday, Kenyan Judiciary announced the demise of Mrs Kivuti, condoling with her loved ones.

“It with great sorrow and a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of Principal Magistrate Hon. Monica Kivuti who succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained on 13th June 2024 while holding an active court session at the Makadara Law Courts,” the statement read.

Peoples Gazette reported how Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, an officer at a police station in Londiani in western Kenya, shot at Mrs Kivuti shortly after her ruling denying his wife bail Thursday. 

Other policemen on the premises shot Mr Kipruto dead after he opened fire on the magistrate. 

Thursday’s court shooting sparked reactions among Kenyans on social media as some criticised the police and others berated the judiciary for corruption. 

An X user, @mk_daudi30, said, “That’s what Normal Kenyans undergo in the hands of the police.” 

Also, @NevilNiga tweeted, “You collect bribes all the time from politicians to deliver a judgement that favours them. May the OCS rest well and the magistrate succumbs.” 

Another user, @FikraHuru, said, “That should show you how frustrated the public are with your justice for sale system. Angemua tu!”