Tributes pour as leaders mourn Justice David Majanja

Justice David Majanja died on Wednesday at a Nairobi hospital.

In Summary
  • Preliminary reports indicate that the judge had checked in at the hospital for surgery.

  • President William Ruto led leaders in remembering him.

Justice David Majanja
Justice David Majanja
Image: FILE

As Kenyans mourn the departed High Court Judge Justice David Majanja, leaders have joined in with messages of condolences.

Justice David Majanja died on Wednesday at a Nairobi hospital.

Preliminary reports indicate that the judge had checked in at the hospital for surgery.

President William Ruto led leaders in remembering him.

"I have learnt with great sorrow about the death of the Hon. David A S Majanja, who was a judge of the High Court of Kenya, and a member of the Judicial Service Commission, which occurred earlier today," Ruto said.

"On behalf of the government, I extend condolences to Hon. Majanja's family and friends and the Judiciary. May Almighty God grant you the strength to bear this loss, and may his soul rest in eternal peace."

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also mourned Majanja.

He termed Justice Majanja a prolific gifted mind who immensely contributed to redefining the legal profession and the justice system of our country in diverse ways.

Chief Justice Martha Koome mourned him saying: "On behalf of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission, it is with profound sadness that I announce the sudden passing of Hon. Justice David Amilcar Shikomera Majanja, Judge of the High Court of Kenya and Commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission." 

"We are all heartbroken. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Judiciary and JSC fraternity during this time of deep sorrow and sadness" CJ Koome added.

Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo on her part said they had lost one of the fine minds on their bench.

"It is with deep remorse that I have learnt of the passing on of High Court Judge and JSC Commissioner, Justice David Majanja. It is a profoundly sad day for Kenya and the legal fraternity," Odhiambo said.

"On behalf of the Law Society of Kenya and myself, I convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the Kenya judiciary fraternity. May the good judge rest in peace."

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said Majanja's dedication and commitment to the legal profession have left an indelible mark on the justice system in the country and in Homa Bay where he served

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, entire Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission on the passing of Judge David Majanja. May his spirit continue to guide and inspire all those who follow in his footsteps. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time," Wanga said.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale said: "Our favourite son, Justice David Majanja, of the Abakakamega community, has just died." 

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said Justice Majanja's dedication to service in the judiciary was distinct and unparalleled.

"Heaven has yet again harvested a great soul, the son of this great Nation, Justice David Majanja. May the family find solace in the Lord," he said.

"It is with deep sorrow and profound shock that I have received tragic news of the untimely passing of Justice David Majanja. A judge of the High Court of Kenya, and a member of the Judicial Service Commission," Kimilili MP Didimas Barasa said,

"On behalf of the great people of Kimilili Constituency, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and friends during this grievous time of loss."

Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda mourned Majanja as a great judge, an even greater legal mind and a gentleman par excellence.

"It’s with great sorrow and deep sadness that I have learnt of the passing of Hon. Justice David Majanja. May the good Lord condole his family and friends during this tough time. Rest in peace." 

Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko said: "It is with great regret to receive the sad news of the passing of Justice David Majanja. On behalf of my family and myself, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and the entire legal fraternity." 

"Kenya has lost a committed individual who dispensed justice impartially and according to the law. Although I did not have personal interactions with him, I was honoured to be sworn in as the second Nairobi City Governor by him. Justice Majanja was renowned for his landmark judgments and his impartiality in delivering justice." Sonko added.

Justice Majanja was first appointed as Judge of the High Court in 2011 and was until his death stationed at the Milimani Civil Division court.

He was sworn in as a member of the Judicial Service Commission on May 28, 2024.

This was after he was re-elected to represent the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) on JSC.

Justice Majanja was first elected to the JSC on May 14, 2019, for a five-year term.

This came following the end of Judge Aggrey Muchelule's five-year tenure as JSC male representative on April 4, 2019.

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