Chief Justice Martha Koome leads the inaugural closing of files court session held in honour of seven judicial officers who died within the last two years, November 19, 2025. /JUDICIARYSeven judicial officers who dedicated their lives to justice were remembered on Wednesday in a solemn ceremony that closed their files and celebrated their legacies.
Chief Justice Martha Koome led the proceedings at Milimani Law Courts, Nairobi, as the legal fraternity paused to honour colleagues lost over the past two years.
The legal community paid tribute to Timothy Ole Tanchu, Jacqueline Muthoni Ojwang, Monicah Kivuti, Zenah Atetwe Rashid Jalenga, Bernard Kipyegon Rugut, John Tito Kunyuk, and Athman Abdulhalim Hussein.
Koome described the occasion as "one of the Judiciary’s most sacred collective duties to honour, remember and give a dignified closure to the files" of their colleagues.
Presiding over a bench that included Environment and Land Court Presiding Judge Oscar Angote and High Court Judge Anthony Mrima, the Chief Justice observed that each officer served the nation with devotion, humility, and integrity.
Their passing, she said, has left an unmistakable void—not only within their families and communities, but within the Judiciary family, which they faithfully served.
The Chief Justice highlighted the late Chief Kadhi Athman Abdulhalim Hussein as a distinguished scholar and jurist whose wisdom, compassion and mastery of Islamic jurisprudence enriched both the legal fraternity and the Muslim community.
His judgments—marked by clarity and fidelity to fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence)— combined textual precision with deep human understanding.
“Hussein mentored many young scholars and Kadhis, pursuing knowledge with unwavering commitment until his final day,” the Chief Justice said.
Judicial officers follow proceedings during the inaugural closing of files court session held in honour of seven departed colleagues, November 19, 2025. /JUDICIARYMonicah Kivuti was remembered as principled, courageous, and deeply committed to her oath of office.
Chief Justice Koome recalled that Kivuti was attacked while hearing cases in a tent during lunch hour but remained determined to continue, ensuring vulnerable litigants were not turned away.
Her death, the Chief Justice noted, was not just a personal tragedy but an attack on the rule of law and judicial independence.
Bernard Kipyegon Rugut was honoured for his gentleness, diligence and compassion, remembered as patient, fair and respectful by colleagues and court users across Bondo, Ndhiwa, Kericho, and Molo.
John Tito Kunyuk was celebrated for his scholarship and community leadership, particularly his research on Islamic Family Law, Kadhis’ Courts, and the cultural heritage of the Turkana community, which contributed significantly to Kenya’s intellectual and legal landscape.
Timothy Ole Tanchu was remembered as warm, humorous and dedicated, serving across Makadara, Taveta, City Court Mombasa, Limuru, and Kibera with steadfast commitment and empathy.
Jacqueline Muthoni Ojwang was honoured for her kindness, generosity and genuine friendship.
From Kibera to Thika and Butere, she was known for her humility, courage and wisdom and her gentle but firm approach defined her judicial career.
Judicial officers follow proceedings during the inaugural closing of files court session held in honour of seven departed colleagues, November 19, 2025. /JUDICIARYZenah Atetwe Rashid Jalenga was celebrated for her resilience, courage and unwavering dedication to justice.
From her first day in the Judiciary, she brought energy, optimism and passion for service.
Her work at Milimani Commercial Court was marked by diligence, fairness and compassion, ensuring every litigant felt heard and respected.
“As we close their files today, we do not close their memory. We affirm their legacies as part of the enduring institutional memory of the Judiciary of Kenya," the Chief Justice said.
"Their service forms part of the strong foundation upon which we continue to build a more accessible, independent and people-centred justice system."
Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya said the proceedings were a profound gesture of institutional respect, affirming the Judiciary’s commitment to recognising officers’ dedicated service and preserving their contributions in institutional memory.
Peter Mulwa, President of the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association, remembered the officers for their determination and belief in a just society, while Everlyne Olwande, speaking on behalf of the Judicial Service Commission, honoured them for their quiet, steadfast service.
Other speakers highlighted the officers’ pursuit of justice with fairness, equity and truth.
Families of the departed expressed gratitude for the Judiciary’s support and for the honour bestowed on their loved ones.
