B Grace Gilo
Judy Thongori, a renowned family lawyer, senior counsel and human rights activist has died.
The senior counsel died in India while receiving treatment after falling ill.
The President mourned her loss in a statement stating, “We join the family, friends, and the legal fraternity in mourning the loss of Judy Thongori SC, an exceptional advocate and champion for justice. Her dedication to family law and human rights touched many lives and left a lasting impact on our society.”
“Judy’s kindness, wisdom and service will be deeply missed and remembered. May her soul rest in peace,” added the President.
Chief Justice, Martha Koome, mourned SC Judy as “A dear friend and one of Kenya’s mst distinguished legal practitioners.”
“Ms. Thongori was a trailblazer in the legal profession and a passionate advocate for justice, particularly in matters affecting families, women and children. We worked closely during our time at FIDA-Kenya, where I served as Chairperson, and she led the Legal Department with unmatched dedication and brilliance in the late 1990s and early 2000s,” mourned the CJ.
According to the Supreme Court President, Thongori’s leadership was instrumental in positioning FIDA-Kenya as a formidable force in using the law to protect the rights, interests, and dignity of vulnerable women, children and the family well-being.
Ms. Thongori personified the promise of the law as a tool for empowerment. Her pivotal contributions to advocacy, family law reform, and shaping legal practice at the Family Division of the High Court profoundly impacted the development of family law in Kenya and inspired a generation of legal professionals.
After her remarkable tenure at FIDA-Kenya, Ms. Thongori transitioned to private practice, where she rose to prominence as one of the country’s foremost family law practitioners.
“Her commitment to sharing knowledge and mentoring young advocates further underscored her dedication to advancing the legal profession. Her insights and expertise were evident even in recent times,” added the CJ.
“On behalf of the Judiciary and on my own behalf, I extend my deepest condolences to her husband, John, her family, friends, and the entire legal fraternity during this difficult time. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire us all,” mourned the CJ.
Additionally, Faith Odhiambo, the President of the Law Society of Kenya, has mourned Judy’s death.
“Her noteworthy contributions to family law and human rights are timeless and continue to propagate a learning curve for many in the profession. The legacy she leaves behind will remain an indelible mark of her impact that lives on among us,” mourned Faith.