Court of Appeal Judge Fred Ochieng is dead
By William Muthama, September 17, 2025The Judiciary has announced the passing of Justice Fredrick Ochieng Andago, a Judge of the Court of Appeal of Kenya.
Speaking through a statement on X on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Chief Justice Martha Koome expressed profound sadness over the loss.
She extended condolences to Justice Ochieng’s family, colleagues, and the entire judiciary, urging the public to observe sensitivity during this period of mourning.
Chief Justice Martha Koome noted, “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Judiciary during this time of great sorrow.” She described Justice Ochieng as a towering figure in Kenya’s commercial law jurisprudence and a strong advocate for alternative dispute resolution.
Legacy And Career
Justice Ochieng joined the Judiciary in 2003 as a High Court judge and served in various stations, including the Civil Division in Kitale and Kakamega, the Criminal Division, the Commercial and Admiralty Division, and Kisumu.
In 2022, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal, where he continued to influence key legal rulings.
At the time of his passing, Justice Ochieng was serving as the Chairperson of the Court Annexed Mediation Taskforce, leading the national rollout of Court-Annexed Mediation.
Prior to his judicial career, he spent nearly two decades as an advocate at Kaplan & Stratton Advocates, earning respect for his professionalism and dedication.
The Judiciary, through Chief Justice Koome, called on the legal community and the public to honor Justice Ochieng’s legacy by continuing to uphold the principles he championed.
“He will be fondly remembered for his dedication to the law, mentorship to younger colleagues, and his unwavering commitment to the rule of law,” she said.
Justice Ochieng’s death marks the loss of one of Kenya’s most respected jurists, known for his expertise in commercial law and his unwavering commitment to justice.