The Judiciary is mourning the death of retired High Court Judge Justice Omondi Tunya, a distinguished jurist whose career spanned several decades and saw him preside over some of Kenya's most significant criminal and civil cases.
In a condolence message, Chief Justice Martha Koome described Justice Tunya as a dedicated judicial officer who served the country with distinction, extending her sympathies to his family, friends, former colleagues and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
"It is with great sorrow that I have learnt of the passing of (Rtd) Hon Justice Omondi Tunya," Koome said in the statement issued on behalf of the Judiciary.
The Chief Justice said Justice Tunya devoted many years to the administration of justice, beginning his judicial career as a magistrate before rising to the High Court bench, where he earned a reputation for diligence, fairness and an unwavering commitment to the timely administration of justice.
"Through his faithful service, he contributed significantly to strengthening the rule of law and advancing the cause of justice in our country," Koome said.
The Chief Justice said Justice Tunya began his career as a magistrate before rising through the ranks to serve as a High Court judge, where he earned a reputation for diligence and commitment to the administration of justice.
"He served with distinction, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to the fair and timely administration of justice," Koome said.
For lawyers and litigants who appeared before Kenyan courts during the 1980s and 1990s, Justice Tunya was one of the most recognisable – and respected – judicial officers of the era.
As a Principal Magistrate during the Moi administration, he presided over some of the country's most politically sensitive criminal trials, earning a reputation as one of the most formidable judicial officers in Kenya's courtrooms.
His elevation to the High Court marked the beginning of another distinguished chapter in his judicial career. He handled a broad range of criminal and civil matters until his retirement, with court records from Nairobi, Eldoret and other stations bearing his name on numerous rulings involving commercial disputes, land matters and criminal appeals.
In October 2013, the late Tunya hit the headlines after police led an investigation into an incident in which the former judge of the High Court was robbed of his gun in an attack in Nairobi's Kilimani area on a Wednesday night.
Retired Justice Omondi Tunya told police he was driving to his house along Mamlaka Road at about 9 pm when he was blocked by a gang of four that was armed with an AK47 rifle.
The gang demanded his pistol, which had six bullets, and drove off without injuring him.
The then Kilimani division police boss, Peter Katam, said the gang escaped with the Glock pistol that was legally issued to the retired judge.
Justice Tunya was also celebrated as one of Siaya County's most accomplished legal professionals. During the renaming of the Siaya Law Courts complex in honour of pioneer lawyer Argwings Kodhek, he was recognised alongside retired Chief Justice Bernard Chunga and retired judges Onyango Otieno, Richard Kwach, Muga Apondi and Andrew Hayanga as among the county's distinguished sons who made significant contributions to Kenya's legal profession.
As the judiciary mourns the loss of one of its former judges, Koome said the institution stands in solidarity with Justice Tunya's family.
"As the judiciary mourns the loss of one of its former judges, we stand in solidarity with his family during this difficult time," she said.
"We pray that they may find strength, comfort and solace in the cherished memories of his life and in the enduring legacy of his service to the people of Kenya," she said.
She prayed that the late Justice Tunya would be granted eternal rest and that his soul would rest in everlasting peace.
