The Judiciary faced an unprecedented series of losses in 2024, with the deaths of five judges and magistrates leaving a deep void in the country’s legal system.
Each of these individuals made significant contributions to the judiciary, and their untimely passing has been a source of immense grief.
Monica Kivuti
The shocking death of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti on June 15, 2024, after a shooting incident in court, marked one of the most harrowing moments in Kenya’s judicial history.
Kivuti was presiding over a case at the Makadara Law Courts on June 13 when a senior police officer opened fire, leaving her with critical injuries.
Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, she succumbed two days later.
“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,” Chief Justice Martha Koome said in a statement.
Koome described the incident as a senseless act of violence and called for heightened security in courts.
“To our Judges, Judicial Officers, Judiciary Staff, our Court Users, and Members of the public, I want to reassure you that the Judiciary Leadership and the Judicial Service Commission are acutely aware of the security concerns that the Judiciary,” she stated.
Kivuti’s loss underscored the dangers judicial officers face in the line of duty.
David Majanja
The sudden death of Justice David Majanja on July 10, 2024, sent shockwaves through the judiciary and the wider legal community.
Justice Majanja, known for his pivotal role in Kenya’s legal reforms, was celebrated for his intellect and unwavering dedication to justice.
His unexpected passing was attributed to natural causes, though it left many colleagues grappling with the enormity of the loss.
Chief Justice Koome hailed Majanja as a beacon of legal integrity whose contributions would continue to shape the judiciary for years to come.
Daniel Ogembo
The death of High Court Judge Daniel Ogembo on July 16, 2024, added to the judiciary’s grief.
Ogembo was found dead in his home in Siaya town under circumstances that remain unclear.
Colleagues described Ogembo as a deeply committed judge who had earned the respect of peers and litigants alike.
Chief Justice Koome expressed her profound sorrow and condolences at the loss of Justice Ogembo, highlighting the significant impact and growth he had within the legal field.
“On behalf of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission, it is with profound sadness that I announce the sudden passing of Hon. Justice Daniel Ogembo Ogola, Judge of the High Court of Kenya.”
“Justice Ogembo joined the Judiciary as a Magistrate in 2004 and was subsequently appointed Judge of the High Court in 2016. At the time of his passing, he was the Presiding Judge at the Siaya Law Courts,” CJ Koome remarked.
Zena Rashid Jalenga
On October 20, 2024, Magistrate Zena Atetwe Rashid Jalenga succumbed to a long illness, bringing her promising career to a premature end.
Serving at Nairobi’s Milimani Commercial Court, Rashid was known for her lively spirit and dedication to justice.
Chief Justice Martha Koome praised Jalenga for her dedication and unwavering commitment to justice during her tenure.
“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 said.
She went on to highlight the contributions Jalenga made to the judiciary, noting that she worked diligently, upholding the values enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution while serving the nation.
“During her service in the judiciary, Hon. Rashid exhibited a firm commitment to the cause of justice and the rule of law, working diligently and in keeping with the values of the Constitution in service to our nation,” Koome added.
Colleagues and family gathered in Kiserian, Kajiado County, on October 25 to pay their final respects.
Benard Kipyegon Rugut
The judiciary suffered another painful loss on October 22, 2024, when Principal Magistrate Benard Kipyegon Rugut passed away.
Rugut served at the Molo Law Courts in Nakuru County and was remembered as a dedicated and principled judicial officer.
Chief Justice Koome acknowledged the immense contributions Rugut made to the judiciary in a touching tribute.
“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.
She added: “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.”
The deaths of these five esteemed members of the judiciary have cast a shadow over 2024, a year marked by unprecedented challenges for the country’s legal fraternity.
