Members of the Judiciary today Friday, October 25, 2024, converged in Kiserian, Kajiado county to bid farewell to one of their own – honourable Zena Atetwe Rashid Jalenga.
The Judiciary and legal fraternity was dealt a heavy blow following the death of Jalenga – a resident magistrate who served at the Milimani Commercial Court in Nairobi.
The deceased passed away in the early morning of Sunday, October 20, 2024, following a long battle with an undisclosed illness.
Announcing her death, Chief Justice Martha Koome condoled with the family praising her firm commitment to the cause of justice and the rule of law.
“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,” Martha Koome shared.
The body of Zena Rashid was today taken to her Kiserian family home for the final rites.
Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya led the Judiciary’s representation, delivering a moving tribute that highlighted Jalenga’s lively spirit, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her colleagues at Milimani.
“Though her career in the judiciary was only just beginning, Hon. Rashid made a lasting impact. Her colleagues speak of her as a vibrant soul—bubbly, full of life, and always cheerful, even in the midst of her challenges. She was not just a colleague but a friend and a source of strength to many in the Milimani Commercial family. Her smile, her energy, and her dedication will never be forgotten,” Mokaya paid a touching tribute to the deceased.
“Today, we can only imagine the future that might have been—the many milestones she would have reached and the countless lives she would have continued to touch. But even in this moment of deep sorrow, we must give thanks for the time we had with her. Thank you, Hon. Rashid, for your service, for your courage, and for the light you brought into our lives,” she added.
Justice Aggrey Muchelule, reading a statement on behalf of the Chief Justice, described the loss as a heavy one, emphasizing that Jalenga’s courage and dedication should inspire the judiciary in its work.
“As a Judiciary, we feel the weight of her loss deeply. We mourn the passing of an exceptional colleague, but we also celebrate the legacy she leaves behind. May her courage, determination, and dedication serve as a guiding light for us all, especially during moments of difficulty and challenge,” Muchelule read.
“On my own behalf, and on behalf of the entire Judiciary fraternity, I offer our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones. May the Almighty God grant you strength and comfort during this painful time. We pray that her soul rests in eternal peace,” he added.
5th death
On his part, Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) president Justice Stephen Radido noted with concern that Zena Rashid is the fifth member of the Judiciary who had died this year.
“This year has been very difficult for us as an association, this is the fifth member we have lost this year. I want to thank all of you members of the association for standing with Hon Zena,” Justice Stephen Radido said.
The Judiciary has faced significant losses with the tragic deaths of several prominent figures this year.
The most shocking death was that of Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti who was shot while in court on June 13, 2024.
She succumbed to injuries days later on June 15, 2024, from the shooting incident involving a Senior Police officer on June 13, 2024.
“I wish to confirm to the Nation that Hon. Monica Kivuti, Principal Magistrate, Makadara Law Courts has lost the fight against the extensive injuries sustained during an open gun attack in Court,” CJ Koome said.
Justice David Majanja, another esteemed member of the judiciary known for his contributions to Kenya’s legal reforms, died suddenly on July 10, 2024.
Another death involving a member of the Judiciary happened on July 16, 2024, when High Court Judge Justice Daniel Ogembo was found dead in his house in Siaya town.
More recently, on October 22, 2024, Chief Justice Koome confirmed the death of Benard Kipyegon Rugut, Principal Magistrate at Molo Law Courts in Nakuru County.
For a judiciary accustomed to handling the sorrow of others, the steady losses of such valued colleagues this year have brought unique challenges.
Yet, as they honoured Jalenga’s memory, they also reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the principles each of these fallen members exemplified.
