Tributes pour in as Kenya mourns renowned family lawyer Judy Thongori

The country has been thrown into mourning following the passing on of renowned family lawyer Judy Thongori, who, according to her family, died after a short illness.

Since the announcement of her demise, senior government officials, colleagues in the judicial sector, and Kenyans from all walks of life have been sharing tributes recognising the unique role she played in championing gender equality, women's rights in the country and social justice.

The Kahuhia Girls and University of Nairobi alumnus began her career at the Attorney General's office before joining private firms where she practised commercial law and later ventured into family law, earning her fame and recognition as she championed women's rights across the country.

With over three decades of experience in legal practice, Thongori's remarkable career journey saw her become a founder member of the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW Kenya), an NGO that seeks to improve the plight of vulnerable women and offers support to victims of gender-based violence where she was still serving as a board member.

She also worked at the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya) before moving to private practice in February 2003 when she set up Judy Thongori & Company Advocates, a leading Family Law firm that offers a full range of legal services in Family Law.

The family mediator will be remembered as the first woman in Kenya to be inducted into the prestigious Roll of Honour by the Law Society of Kenya in recognition of her contribution to the legal profession and FAMILY LAW practice in Kenya.

She will also be remembered for successfully suing the government for not delivering 30 per cent representation for women.

Exceptional advocate

Joining in paying tributes to her family, President William Ruto described Thongori as 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," he said.

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions recognised her immense contribution to the development of both the Marriage Act, 2014 and the Matrimonial Property Act, 2022.

CREAW said her relentless advocacy for women's rights, her instrumental role in promoting access to justice, and her efforts to enhance women's participation in governance were hallmarks of her illustrious career.

"Notably, her legal action challenging the government's failure to implement the two-thirds gender rule stands as a landmark moment in the pursuit of gender equity in our society. As one of the founding members of CREAW-Kenya and a cherished board member, Judy's contributions have left an indelible mark on our organization and the broader fight for justice. Her dedication to advancing human rights, especially for the most vulnerable, continues to inspire us and countless others in the legal fraternity. Her legacy as a champion of justice and equality remains in the hearts of all who knew her and in the lives she transformed."

Chief Justice Martha Koome, a close friend of Thongori, reminisced how they worked closely at FIDA-Kenya when she served as chairperson and Thongori as the head of the legal department in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

"Ms Thongori was a trailblazer in the legal profession and a passionate advocate for justice, particularly in matters affecting families, women, and children. Her 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's 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," CJ Koome said.

Mentoring upcoming lawyers

Many also noted her contributions towards mentoring upcoming lawyers through mentorship and training.

"Senior Counsel Judy Thongori distinguished herself as a trailblazer in the practice of Family Law, dedicating her career to not only advancing the jurisprudence of this specialised field but also nurturing the next generation of legal practitioners. Her mentorship of young advocates, particularly in navigating the complexities of Family Law, is a legacy that will resonate for years to come, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula said.

On her part, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo described Thongori as a monument of legal prowess.

"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. The legacy she leaves behind will remain an indelible mark of her impact that lives on among us," she said.

Her colleague and LSK member Steven Mbugua described Thongori's demise as a huge loss to the legal profession and the country at large.

On his part, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said Thongori's death had robbed the country of a brilliant legal mind whose contributions, especially in family law and women's rights, are pre-eminent.

"Her impact will live on in the innumerable people, especially women, that her star inspired to take up a career in law. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult moment of grief," he said.

"A distinguished and respected legal giant in family law, Judy Thongori SC departs, leaving our mobile law library with a whole shelf missing. Death is one such extrajudicial decision in respect of which an appeal, however meritorious," said former LSK president Nelson Havi.

"Judy was a legal eagle. Affable and pleasant. Competent and classy. She will be missed by all...may her loved ones find peace and happiness," said Senior Counsel Ahmednassir Abdullahi.