Uhuru, Raila mourn lawyer Evans Monari

President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence to the family of prominent Nairobi lawyer Evans Monari who passed away Monday night.

In his message of comfort, Uhuru remembered the departed lawyer as a solid and dependable legal mind who has left behind a rich legacy of professional success.

"It is regrettable that we've lost Evans to the cruel hand of death after a long illness," he said.

The Head of State described Monari as one of Kenya's leading legal minds who distinguished himself as a dependable resource.

The president prayed for God's comfort to the family, as they come to terms with his passing away.

ODM leader Raila Odinga eulogised Monari as a man with a brilliant mind, a generous heart and a lively spirit.

Raila said his friends will remember him for his infectious laughter that masked the solemnity of the cases that he had to resolve in his illustrious legal career, on a daily basis.

"He has gone too soon, and our country is poorer with his departure. I wish peace and strength to his family. May he rest in peace," Raila said.

Chief Justice Martha Koome said the legal profession has lost one of the best Advocates who contributed immensely by mentoring many upcoming lawyers.

She added that very few people can navigate a balance of enjoying their full social life and professional calling like Evans did.  

"My last interaction with Evans was in July this year when in his usual jovial manner, took the lead in organising a wonderful felicitation for me and other colleagues who were promoted to various positions in the Judiciary," Koome said.

Aside from the legal profession, the late lawyer also served in several public appointments among them the 2016 Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel.

Monari passed on Monday at Nairobi Hospital where he was admitted following a long illness.

His brother Ken announced his death through a message to the social media account that was raising funds for his medical bills.

"It is with profound sadness that I would like to inform on behalf of the Ogeto family that Evans has gone to be with the Lord. May the almighty God rest his soul in peace. Thank you for your continued support," Ken Monari said.

Monari has been in and out of hospital following the illness. He had been admitted to the hospital's Intensive Care Unit.

His friends and colleagues took to social media to send their condolences;

Edited by D Tarus