Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced the passing on of Molo Law Courts Principal Magistrate Bernard Kipyegon Rugut.
Koome in a statement released on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, expressed her deepest condolences to his spouse Purity Koskey Rugut who also serves as a magistrate at Kabarnet Law Courts, their children, the entire family, relatives, and friends.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I announce the untimely passing of Hon. Bernard Kipyegon Rugut, Principal Magistrate at Molo Law Courts. On behalf of the Judiciary, and on my own behalf, I wish to express our deepest condolences to his spouse, Hon. Purity Koskey Rugut of Kabarnet Law Courts, their children, the entire family, relatives, friends, and colleagues of Hon. Rugut during this profoundly difficult time,” CJ Koome stated.
Koome on Rugut’s career
Koome went ahead to give a brief background of the deceased, stating how he began his career.
According to CJ Koome, the late Rugut began his career with the Judiciary on July 13, 2012, when he was appointed as a resident magistrate and posted to Bondo Law Courts.
He also served at Ndhiwa and Kericho Law Courts.
“Hon. Rugut began his distinguished career with the Judiciary on July 13, 2012, when he was appointed as a Resident Magistrate and posted to Bondo Law Courts. Over the years, he served with steadfast dedication at various stations, including Ndhiwa and Kericho Law Courts, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to the principles of justice. Most recently, since May 2, 2023, he served as Principal Magistrate at Molo Law Courts,” Koome said in the statement.
Koome lauds Rugut
Moreover, Koome heaped praises on the late Rugut, noting that he had exemplified the virtues of diligence, fairness, and professionalism in all his judicial duties, throughout his career.
“Throughout his career, Hon. Rugut exemplified the virtues of diligence, fairness, and professionalism in all his judicial duties. His passing is not only a significant loss to his family but also to the Judiciary and the communities he faithfully served. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones as we mourn the loss of a dedicated judicial officer whose legacy of service will continue to inspire us all. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.
Rugut’s death comes just days after Koome announced the passing of Zena Atetwe Rashid Jalenga, a resident magistrate at the Milimani Commercial Court.
Jalenga passed away on the morning of Sunday, October 20, 2024.
“It is with a profound sense of loss and sadness that I announce the death of Hon. Zena Atetwe Rashid Jalenga, Resident Magistrate, Milimani Commercial Court, which occurred early in the morning of October 20, 2024, following a long illness bravely borne,” the Chief Justice announced.
