Wilfred Mutubwa, Vice Chairperson of the Political Disputes Tribunal and Dean of Mount Kenya University’s School of Law, died after collapsing during a short break from a virtual court session in Nairobi on Tuesday evening.
The cause of his death remains unclear, and his family is still grappling with the loss.
Chief Justice Martha Koome expressed her condolences, describing Mutubwa as a distinguished legal scholar who championed the multi-door approach to justice delivery in Kenya.
“On behalf of the Judiciary family and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Wilfred Mutubwa, who served as Vice-Chairperson of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) and as a Member of the Judiciary’s Court-Annexed Mediation Taskforce,” Koome said.
“Dr. Mutubwa, who was also Chairman Emeritus of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators – Kenya Branch, was renowned as a leading advocate for the multi-door approach to the delivery of justice in Kenya. His championing of arbitration and mediation as preferred methods of dispute resolution was instrumental in shaping these practices within the justice sector,” she added.
Mutubwa was also a key figure in the promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), having served as Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators – Kenya.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo also paid tribute to Mutubwa, recognising his contributions to the legal profession and ADR.
“Through his notable work in ADR, Mutubwa earned a place as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague and led groundbreaking efforts in enhancing the role of arbitration in Kenya’s justice system,” Odhiambo said.
“The great success he achieved in his brief but impactful time as dean at MKU School of Law is a testament to his unreserved commitment to mentorship and the growth of the legal profession,” she added.
Mutubwa’s body was taken to the mortuary, and an autopsy is underway to determine the cause of his sudden death.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
