Police deny Kwale magistrate was kidnapped

Police have denied reports that the carjacking of Kwale Chief Magistrate Doreen Mulekyo on Thursday evening was a kidnapping incident.

Msambweni OCPD Joseph Chebusit on Friday termed the attack as a normal criminal activity, adding that the incident had no connection with the ruling the magistrate issued nullifying the election of Kinondo Member of County Assembly (MCA) Juma Maone.

According to the OCPD, the magistrate was driving alone, probably going home, when she interacted with the lone carjacker who forced his way into the car.

“Immediately the carjacker got into the car, the Magistrate was able to escape unhurt though the carjacker had drawn a knife. She raised alarm and we mobilized our officers to seal off all possible escape roots,” he said.

He added that the vehicle was found in good condition after the carjacker abandoned it at a hotel where he pretended to be looking for a friend.

The OCPD said they would use the fingerprints dusted and lifted from the vehicle to pursue the criminals.

Magistrate Mulekyo was carjacked at around 8pm on Thursday along Diani Beach Road.

The attack comes two months after the driver of Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu was shot and injured by two gunmen along Ngong Road, Nairobi.

Chief Justice David Maraga and the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) condemned the incident demanding that adequate security for Judicial staff.

“Last night’s carjacking of Kwale Chief Magistrate Doreen Mulekyo was a shocking incident to the entire Judiciary. We thank God she wasn’t hurt. I call upon the police to ensure the culprits are arrested. We want to see better security for all our staff, and indeed all Kenyans,” said Justice Maraga.

KMJA Secretary General Derrick Kuto said: “We condemn the incident in the strongest terms possible. Our duties are generally sensitive and such cowardly acts will not dissuade us from boldly dispensing our judicial.”

The association asked the police and relevant officers to immediately engage the judiciary to ensure the security of all Judges, Magistrates and Kadhis.