Mombasa magistrate reports threat after ‘RIP’ painted outside chambers

Mombasa magistrate reports threat after ‘RIP’ painted outside chambers

Investigators are working to establish the identity of the suspect, but the lack of CCTV cameras in the court building has hampered efforts to trace whoever painted the message.

Police are investigating a suspected threat against a Mombasa magistrate after the letters “RIP” were painted on the stairs leading to his chambers.

Senior Resident Magistrate David Odhiambo reported the incident to police after discovering the message at the Mombasa Municipal Court building on October 12.

In his statement, Odhiambo, known for handling criminal cases, including sexual offences, said he spotted the letters at about 6:30 pm as he was leaving his chambers.

He took a photograph of the message using his mobile phone and reported the matter to police, saying he feared for his life because of the nature of his work.

Police records indicate that the magistrate suspects the message may have been left by a litigant, although investigators have yet to establish who was responsible or the motive behind the incident.

The matter was recorded under Occurrence Book Number 14 on October 13 and classified as an offence of endangering life and health.

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Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have since taken over the probe.

However, the lack of CCTV cameras in the court building has hampered efforts to trace whoever painted the message.

The incident has raised concerns about the security of judicial officers, particularly when threats may be linked to cases they handle.

However, investigators have not established whether the message was connected to any specific case before the magistrate.

Police have not announced any arrests in connection with the incident as investigations continue.