Judiciary holds historic 'closing of files' ceremony to honour fallen judicial officers

Chief Justice Martha Koome presided over the special proceedings at the Milimani Law Courts to honour seven judicial officers who died over the past two years. (Photo: X/Judiciary Kenya)

By Carolyne Kubwa
Wednesday, November 19, 2025

CJ Koome said Monicah Kivuti's killing was an attack on judicial independence and a reminder of the urgent need to protect judicial officers.

The Judiciary held a solemn and historic ceremony on Wednesday at the Milimani Law Courts to honour seven judicial officers who died over the past two years, marking the inaugural "closing of files" court session in their memory.

Chief Justice Martha Koome on Wednesday presided over the special proceedings, sitting with Environment and Land Court Presiding Judge Oscar Angote and High Court Judge Anthony Mrima.

More To Read

The session honoured Timothy Ole Tanchu, Jacqueline Muthoni Ojwang, Monicah Kivuti, Zena Atetwe Rashid Jalenga, Bernard Kipyegon Rugut, Kunyuk John Tito, and Athman Abdulhalim Hussein.

CJ Koome said the Judiciary had gathered "in solemn unity" to perform one of its most sacred duties—offering dignified closure to the files of colleagues who served with humility and integrity. She noted that their passing had left a profound void among their families, communities and the Judiciary.

The Chief Justice paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Kadhi Athman Abdulhalim Hussein, describing him as a distinguished jurist whose wisdom and mastery of Islamic jurisprudence enriched the legal fraternity and the wider Muslim community. She said his judgments demonstrated clarity, compassion and fidelity to fiqh, and celebrated his lifelong commitment to mentoring young scholars and Kadhis.

Monicah Kivuti was remembered as courageous and deeply devoted to her oath of office. CJ Koome recalled that she was attacked while conducting court proceedings during lunchtime, insisting on serving litigants—many of whom were vulnerable. Her killing, the CJ said, was an attack on judicial independence and a reminder of the urgent need to protect judicial officers.

The CJ also honoured the late Principal Magistrate Bernard Kipyegon Rugut, describing him as gentle, diligent and fair, with colleagues across his stations in Bondo, Ndhiwa, Kericho and Molo remembering him as patient and respectful.

Of the late Principal Kadhi John Tito Kunyuk, she highlighted his scholarship on Islamic family law, the history of Kadhis' Courts and Turkana cultural heritage, noting his significant contributions to Kenya's legal and intellectual record.

The ceremony also celebrated the lives of Timothy Letina Ole Tanchu—remembered as humorous, warm and committed across several court stations—and Hon. Jacqueline Muthoni Ojwang, known for her kindness, humility and firm but humane approach to cases. Zena Atetwe Rashid Jalenga was praised for her resilience, optimism and passion for justice, especially during her tenure at the Milimani Commercial Court.

"As we close their files today, we do not close their memory," CJ Koome said, affirming that their service forms part of the Judiciary's enduring institutional foundation.

Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya said the ceremony was a powerful gesture of institutional respect, while the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association and Judicial Service Commission representatives lauded the officers' commitment to justice. Families of the deceased thanked the Judiciary for honouring their loved ones.