Rest in peace F.A. Ochieng JA I met the Late Justice of Appeal through the Court Annexed Mediation Program when it was launched. The phrase Mediation Works was always part of his repertoire, together with his jovial wisdom as well as his practical, profound and witty insights. His legacy is a living one - that continues on in each and every one of us whose lives he has touched in so many diverse ways. Our condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues. God grant you grace and solace as you bear this season.
Tributes to the Late Hon. Mr. Justice Fredrick Ochieng’ Andago
Tributes to the Late Hon. Mr. Justice Fredrick Ochieng’ Andago
On behalf of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission, I convey with profound sadness the news of the passing of Hon. Justice Fredrick Ochieng Andago, Judge of the Court of Appeal of Kenya. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Judiciary during this time of great sorrow.
Justice Ochieng joined the Judiciary in 2003 as a Judge of the High Court, where he served with distinction in various stations, including the Civil Division, Kitale, Kakamega, the Criminal Division, the Commercial and Admiralty Division, and Kisumu. In 2022, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal.
He will be fondly remembered as a towering figure in the development of Kenya’s commercial law jurisprudence and as a strong advocate for the promotion of alternative dispute resolution. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Chairperson of the Court Annexed Mediation Taskforce, which is spearheading the national roll-out of Court-Annexed Mediation.
Prior to joining the Judiciary, he had a distinguished career as an Advocate of the High Court in the firm of Kaplan & Stratton Advocates for almost two decades.
We stand in solidarity with his family, friends, and the entire Judiciary community during this difficult period of mourning. We call for sensitivity and compassion as we share in this collective grief.
May Hon. Justice Fred Ochieng’s soul rest in eternal peace.
Hon. Justice Martha K. Koome, EGH
Chief Justice and Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission
Tributes Shared
May his soul rest in eternal peace
Raha ya milele umpe ee bwana ; na Mwanga wa milele umwangazie, apumzike kwa amani. Bwana ametoa na bwana ametwaa, jina la bwana lihimidiwe!
Rest in peace Judge. You will be missed.
Today, we take a moment to honour the extraordinary life of a mentor, a judge, and above all, a person of unwavering integrity and wisdom. My first personal encounter with Hon. Fred Ochieng Andago, JA., was on 10th October 2022, when I joined the Court of Appeal as a Legal Researcher. Over the past three years, I have come to know a model judge with a human touch. Justice Ochieng inspired those around him not only to think like lawyers but also to act with genuine humanity, bringing compassion into legal battles. This was evident in his efforts to entrench alternative justice and mediation as a first port of call for civil disputes. In every decision he rendered, Justice Ochieng showcased not only legal acumen but also moral clarity. Those who stood before him left not just with a verdict but with a renewed faith in the legal system. His rulings and judgments will undoubtedly outlive the limited time he had to influence the legal landscape. Justice Ochieng was not only a judge but also a mentor and a guiding light, not just in the complexities of law but in the broader and more challenging art of living with purpose, humility, and justice. As a mentor, he offered his guidance quietly, generously, and without seeking recognition. While he was principled and fair, Justice Ochieng remained understanding and approachable. Whenever a problem arose, you could rely on him to lend a listening ear. To him, a gentle but firm "no" was always preferable to a vague promise. To have known him was a profound gift, and to have learned from him was a true privilege. It is now our responsibility to carry forward the invaluable lessons he imparted. Thank you, F.A.O. You have left this world and each of us better than you could have ever imagined. Thank you! Nind gi kwe wuod Alego.
I first met Judge Ochieng when I was newly admitted to the bar. He was serving at the High court at Kakamega. His eloquence and firmness intrigued me. I learnt a lot in terms of practice and procedure. When I joined the bench, I encountered the other side of Judge Ochieng. A jovial, down to earth and supportive colleague. He always called me Rusty Nail and mentored me in many respects. A strong man even in the face of adversity. Go well, Judge. You may be gone but your legend lives on. Judiciary and the entire legal fraternity has lost a gem.
The jovial spark in our lives is gone And wherever Fred Ochieng was,, there was laughter and dancing So humorous, so simple, A brilliant mind A true friend and brother So optimistic about life Fred Ochieng, what a loss God’s will - yes, but still very painful Rest my brother
Judge F. Ochieng JA lived with honor, served with justice, and now rests in peace.
I still can't believe your no more rest in eternal piece ..you touched so many hearts heaven has gain an angel
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Justice Ochieng JA. I met Justice Ochieng when he was at Kaplan Stratton advocates. Later when we both joined the bench he was the Presiding Judge while I was a Deputy Registrar at the Commercial and Admiralty division of the high court at Milimani. He was a wonderful boss, very warm and friendly. He was very diligent in his work and expected the same from the team. It saddens me that he has left so soon. May his soul rest in peace. May his family and friends be comforted at this difficult period. His legacy and imoactnin the legal sector will be felt for years to come
You made immense contributions to the development of the justice system in Kenya. RIEP.
Waaauh. Justice Fred Ochieng. Where does one begin. I knew him from the final days of his practice but knew him better as a judge while at milimani. I argued my early year cases before him and would occasionally appear before him jointly with my boss or singularly. He would encourage me in a fatherly way and even when you lose the case or application before him. Never would one feel like any underhand dealings took place. His judgements and rulings were justifiable. He is one judge who made many a practitioner consider joining the bench. His legacy shall out live his life. MAY HIS LEGACY LIVE ON FOREVER.
My sincere condolences to the Court of Appeal Judge. May his soul rest in eternal peace
We accept the lords doing though with a lot of pain in our heart.i thought one day i will meet with u and share something on mediation being the champion.may the lord continue comforting your fanily.msy your soul RIP
Rest in peace judge