President William Ruto on Wednesday led the nation in mourning renowned family lawyer and Senior Counsel, Ms. Judy Thongori, who passed away on Tuesday evening while undergoing emergency treatment in India.
In his tribute, President Ruto described Thongori as an exceptional advocate and a passionate champion for justice.
“Her dedication to family law and human rights touched many lives and left a lasting impact on our society. Judy’s kindness, wisdom, and service will be deeply missed and remembered. May her soul rest in peace,” he said.
The legal community, led by Chief Justice Martha Koome, also expressed profound sorrow at the news of Thongori’s untimely death.
The CJ who remembered Thongori as one of Kenya’s most distinguished legal practitioners, reflected on their time together at FIDA-Kenya, where Thongori served as the Chairperson.
“We worked closely during our time at FIDA-Kenya, where I served as Chairperson, and she led the Legal Department with unmatched dedication and brilliance in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her leadership was instrumental in positioning FIDA-Kenya as a formidable force in using the law to protect the rights, interests, and dignity of vulnerable women, children, and family well-being,” Koome shared.
Koome also highlighted Thongori’s lasting impact, noting her contributions even in recent times. “Just last November, during the Supreme Court @12 Conference, Ms. Thongori enriched a panel discussion on emerging family law jurisprudence from the Supreme Court of Kenya,” she remarked. “Her contributions to family law and human rights leave behind a transformative legacy.”
Tributes also poured in from across the legal profession. Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), described Thongori as a beacon of excellence and a monument of legal prowess.
“Judy Thongori SC has been a monument of legal prowess and exemplified all the qualities of a professional North Star. Her contributions to family law and human rights are timeless and continue to inspire many in the profession,” Odhiambo wrote on X.
She added that Thongori’s impact would live on: “The legacy she leaves behind will remain an indelible mark of her impact. We condole with all her friends, family, colleagues, and the Senior Counsel Bar for this immense loss.”
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also offered his condolences, recognizing Thongori as a trailblazer in Family Law.
“Senior Counsel Judy Thongori distinguished herself as a trailblazer in this specialized field, advancing its jurisprudence while nurturing the next generation of legal practitioners,” he said.
Wetang’ula emphasized Thongori’s mentorship of young advocates and her unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
“Her dedication to the rule of law and defense of human rights has left an indelible imprint on the legal profession and the nation. As we honour her memory, let us draw inspiration from her remarkable journey and recommit ourselves to the principles she championed,” he said.
