Vioja Mahakamani judge Lucy Wangui reveals how she researched Kenyan laws

Vioja Mahakamani actress Lucy Wangui, who plays the judge in the popular court comedy, has revealed how she researched Kenyan laws to make the show more realistic.

Speaking in an interview with Milele FM radio host Jacquey Nyaminde on Saturday, September 18, 2026, Wangui recalled that the programme became more legally grounded after a man identified as Amos suggested the show could also educate viewers about Kenyan law.

“He told them, ‘You can teach people the law through this programme,’” Wangui recalled.

The suggestion led her to research Kenyan laws and incorporate them into the show’s scripts.

Researching the law

Wangui said she was permitted to conduct research at the High Court library, where she consulted legal materials before translating relevant laws into Kiswahili.

“I used to go to the High Court library. I was permitted to go and read the Grey Book and the Penal Code,” she said.

She explained that the research depended on the type of case being featured in the programme.

“For things like stealing, I knew the law by heart. But if it was something that I had not dealt with, I would go and research,” she said.

After finding the relevant information, Wangui would translate it into Kiswahili and use it when preparing for her courtroom scenes.

“I would translate it and write it in Kiswahili,” she said.

How she became judge

Wangui also opened up about how she landed the role that would make her one of the most recognisable faces on Vioja Mahakamani.

The programme initially existed as a court sketch known as Koti ya Kiberenge before becoming Vioja Mahakamani. When Anne Wanjugu, who had been playing the magistrate, left for a film project abroad, KBC head of drama Ken Mutahi decided to allow Wangui to audition.

She admitted that she was initially nervous and struggled to control her pace.

“When I first went there, I was very afraid. I was talking very fast,” she recalled.

After several attempts, however, director Kachengo approved her for the role and encouraged her to maintain her natural style.

“I was told, ‘Continue with your speed and your character,’” Wangui said.

Strict persona

Wangui said her stern courtroom persona was also influenced by her personality away from the cameras.

“I was like that,” she said when discussing her strict nature.

She recalled growing up in Ziwani, Nairobi, as one of seven children, with three younger brothers whom she often felt responsible for protecting.

“I used to protect them because they were being bullied,” she said, explaining that she even took boxing lessons at Kariakoo Hall.

Her no-nonsense personality eventually became part of what audiences associated with her judge character.

Wangui also said she rarely laughed at jokes during filming because she considered herself to be working.

“I don’t laugh at jokes because I am working,” she said.