Lawyers mourn Senior Counsel Judy Thongori

The legal fraternity has joined hands to mourn the death of Senior Counsel Judy Thongori.

Thongori passed away on Tuesday after a short illness.

Her death was confirmed by the Chair, Senior Counsel Bar Fred Ojiambo.

According to a statement by Ojiambo, Thongori was recently taken ill quite and was flown to India for emergency treatment but she died on Tuesday evening due to ensuing medical complications.

"It is my sad duty to relay, for public consumption, the news we have received of the demise of our dear sister and Senior Counsel, Judy Wanjeri Thongori while undergoing treatment in India," Ojiambo said.

Ojiambo described Thongori as a selfless and assiduous contributor to that strand of the law, adding that her departure has robbed the legal fraternity of a consummate professional.

"Her willingness and selflessness to be of service to the Senior Counsel Bar, the Law Society of Kenya as a mentor to younger advocates, will be greatly missed. She was also a favourite speaker at the Annual Judge's’ colloquial," he said.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula joined the legal fraternity in mourning the death of Thongori.

In his tribute, Wetang’ula reflected on her pivotal role in advancing family law, emphasising her commitment to gender equality.

“I rise with a heavy heart to join my colleagues in the legal fraternity and the nation at large in mourning the untimely demise of Senior Counsel Judy Thongori,” he wrote.

Wetang'ula said Thongori dedicated her career to not only advancing the jurisprudence of this specialised field but also nurturing the next generation of legal practitioners.

He also noted her landmark legal challenge to the government's failure to implement the two-thirds gender rule as one of her defining legacies in promoting gender equity in the nation.

Wetang’ula added that Thongori’s commitment to justice and equality, her resolute defense of human rights, and her dedication to the rule of law have left an indelible imprint on the legal profession and the nation.

“As we gather to honor her memory, let us draw inspiration from her remarkable journey and recommit ourselves to upholding the principles she championed so fervently,” he said.

His Senate counterpart Amason Kingi noted that Thongori’s death has robbed this country and the legal fraternity of an advocate who personified hard work, public interest, and commitment to the rule of law.

“We will forever cherish and celebrate Judy’s legacy in legal mentorship,” Kingi said.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said he learned of the passing on of Thongori with “great shock and disbelief.”

Murkomen said the country has lost a brilliant legal mind whose contributions especially in family law and women's rights are pre-eminent.

“Her impact will live on in the innumerable people, especially women, that her star inspired to take up a career in law. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult moment of grief,” he stated.

Notable legal figures including Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi also shared their tributes describing Thongori as a "legal eagle”, commending her competence, affability, and class.

“She will be missed by all...may her loved ones find peace and happiness,” he wrote.

Lawyer Steven Mbugua expressed the profound loss felt within the legal profession and beyond.

Nelson Havi honoured her as a respected family law giant whose death has left a mobile law library with a whole shelf missing.

“Death is one such extrajudicial decision in respect of which an appeal, however meritorious, is precluded,” he said.

Rarieda MP Otiende Omollo on his part said he was saddened to learn of the sudden demise Thongori. “May Her Soul Know Eternal Peace,” he wrote.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma said he received the news with sadness.

“Judy was a towering pillar in family law practice, a mentor to many and a fighter for justice for the downtrodden. May God comfort and strengthen her family,” he said.

Thongori practised law for over 30 years.