Judy Thongori, a distinguished family lawyer and outspoken rights advocate, has passed away in India following a brief illness. She was 60 years old.
According to a statement from the Senior Counsel Bar (SCB), Ms Thongori had been unwell and had been flown to India for urgent medical care. Sadly, she succumbed to complications from her condition on Tuesday, 14 January.
“Sadly, she died yesterday evening due to ensuing medical complications,” confirmed Dr Fred Ojiambo, Chair of SCB.
A trailblazer in family law, Ms Thongori leaves behind an enduring legacy of legal excellence. With more than 30 years in practice, she was widely respected for her skill, commitment, and selflessness, particularly in mentoring young lawyers.
“She was well known as a selfless and assiduous contributor to that strand of the law. Her willingness and selflessness to be of service to the Senior Counsel Bar, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) as a mentor to younger advocates, will be greatly missed. She was also a favourite speaker at the Annual Judge’s colloquial,” Dr Ojiambo said, highlighting her commitment to both her craft and her colleagues.
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Faith Odhiambo, the president of LSK, expressed deep sorrow at the loss, describing Ms Thongori as a beacon of legal integrity. “Judy Thongori SC has been a monument of legal prowess and exemplified all the qualities of a professional North Star. Her noteworthy contributions to family law and human rights are timeless and continue to propagate a learning curve for many in the profession,” Ms Odhiambo said.
“The legacy she leaves behind will remain an indelible mark of her impact that lives on among us.”
Ms Thongori, who joined the bar in 1988, was not only known for her exceptional legal mind but also for her compassion and dedication to her clients and colleagues alike.
Based in Nairobi, she represented several high-profile individuals in complex succession disputes, including former intelligence chief James Kanyotu and former Equity Bank CEO, John Mwangi Kagema.
In recognition of her expertise, she was conferred the title of Senior Counsel in 2020 and was the first woman to be inducted into the Roll of Honour of the Law Society of Kenya in 2013.
Her contributions also extended beyond the courtroom—she was a member of the Bar-Bench committee and was involved in the creation of the Family Division of the High Court. Additionally, she was accredited to the Judiciary’s Mediation Accreditation Committee.
Ms Thongori’s passing marks the end of an era for the Kenyan legal community. Her influence, both as a mentor and a practitioner, will resonate for years to come, ensuring that her legacy continues to guide future generations of lawyers.
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