Judiciary holds special proceedings in honour of departed Judicial Officers
Chief Justice Martha Koome today led the legal fraternity in an inaugural closing of files court session held in honour of seven departed Judicial Officers.
The legal fraternity honoured Hon. Timothy Ole Tanchu, Hon. Jacqueline Muthoni Ojwang, Hon. Monicah Kivuti, Hon. Zena Atetwe Rashid Jalenga, Hon. Bernard Kipyegon Rugut, Hon. Kunyuk John Tito, and Hon. Athman Abdulhalim Hussein in special court proceedings conducted at Milimani Law Courts, Nairobi.
“We have gathered this afternoon in solemn unity to perform one of the Judiciary’s most sacred collective duties: to honour, remember, and give a dignified closure to the files of seven of our colleagues who departed from us over the last two years.”
Presiding over a bench comprising of Environment and Land Court Presiding Judge Oscar Angote and High Court Judge Anthony Mrima, CJ Koome said that each of the officers served the nation with devotion, humility, and integrity. She noted that their passing has left an unmistakable void – not only within their families and communities, but within the Judiciary family, which they so faithfully served.
The Chief Justice celebrated the late Chief Kadhi Athman Abdulhalim Hussein, as a distinguished scholar and jurist whose wisdom, compassion, and mastery of Islamic jurisprudence enriched both the legal fraternity and the Muslim community. The CJ said that his judgments—marked by clarity and fidelity to fiqh—combined textual precision with deep human understanding.“Hon Hussein mentored many young scholars and Kadhis, pursuing knowledge with unwavering commitment until his final day,” the CJ
CJ Koome remembered Hon. Monicah Kivuti as principled, courageous, and deeply committed to her oath of office who was attacked while discharging her judicial duties in a tent during the lunch hour, determined to continue hearing cases so that litigants, many of them vulnerable, would not be turned away. Justice Koome recalled that her killing was not only a personal tragedy, but an attack on the rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary adding that her sacrifice remains a powerful reminder of the need to safeguard judicial officers and uphold institutional independence.
The CJ honoured the late Principal Magistrate Bernard Kipyegon Rugut for his gentleness, diligence, and compassion. She noted that across his postings in Bondo, Ndhiwa, Kericho, and Molo, colleagues and court users alike described him as patient, fair, and respectful who listened attentively, decided calmly, and treated every litigant with dignity.
In her tribute to the late Principal Kadhi Hon. John Tito Kunyuk, the CJ celebrated him for his scholarship and community leadership as well as his research on Islamic Family Law, the history and jurisprudence of the Kadhis’ Courts, and the cultural heritage of the Turkana community. Noting that he contributed significantly to Kenya’s intellectual and legal landscape.
The CJ remembered Hon. Timothy Letina Ole Tanchu as a warm, humorous, and dedicated officer whose service in Makadara, Taveta, City Court, Mombasa, Limuru, and Kibera exemplified his steadfast commitment to justice and his empathetic approach to all who appeared before him.
She remembered Hon. Jacqueline Muthoni Ojwang as a judicial officer who served with kindness, generosity, and genuine friendship. From Kibera to Thika and Butere, the CJ said Hon Muthoni was known for her humility, courage, and wisdom adding that her gentle but firm approach to cases, coupled with the humanity she showed colleagues and court users, defined her judicial career.
The CJ honored Hon. Zenah Atetwe Rashid Jalenga for her resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication to justice. CJ Koome explained that from the moment she joined the Judiciary, she brought vibrant energy, optimism, and a deep passion for service saying that her work at the Milimani Commercial Court was marked by diligence, fairness, and compassion, ensuring every litigant felt heard and respected.
“As we close their files today, we do not close their memory. We affirm their legacies as part of the enduring institutional memory of the Judiciary of Kenya. Their service forms part of the strong foundation upon which we continue to build a more accessible, independent, and people-centred justice system,” said Chief Justice Koome.
The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya noted that the special court proceedings signified far more than the completion of an administrative process; it is a profound gesture of institutional respect. Adding that it was a collective acknowledgement that their contributions to the administration of justice were meaningful, valued, and worthy of lasting commemoration.
“Extending this honour to Judicial Officers affirms our commitment to recognising their dedicated service, offering comfort to their families, and ensuring their contributions are preserved in our institutional memory,” said CRJ Mokaya.
President of the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association Justice Peter Mulwa remembered the departed judicial officers for their determination and belief in a just society – a readiness and will to serve and uphold justice in every corner of the republic.
Hon Everlyne Olwande who spoke on behalf of Judicial Service Commission honoured the officers for serving the nation quietly, steadily and dutifully.
“On behalf of the Judicial Service Commission, we honour their service, cherish their memory, and assure their families that their contributions live on not just in documents, but in the lives they touched, the people they served, and the justice they dispersed,” said Commissioner Olwande.
Others who spoke at the ceremony remembered the officers for their commitment to service of the law adding that they pursued justice with fairness, equity, and truth.
The families of the departed officers thanked the Judiciary for its support and honouring their loved ones.
