Judy Thongori, pioneer women's rights advocate takes final bow

Senior Counsel Judy Thongori. [File, Standard]

The legal fraternity is mourning the death of Senior Counsel Judy Thongori, a trailblazer in family law and human rights advocacy.

Thongori, 60, founder of the esteemed Judy Thongori & Company Advocates, passed away on Tuesday evening in an Indian hospital. She had been flown there for emergency care after falling ill.

She has left an impressive record in Kenyan legal landscape, particularly in family law. She established her law firm in 2003, and was renowned for her expertise in handling matrimonial disputes, children’s matters, and complex succession cases.

Her contribution to family law, her steadfast dedication to justice, and her profound impact on the lives of countless individuals made her a figure of immense respect and admiration.

Her passing on has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the country, with legal professionals, political figures, and the public praising her invaluable legacy.

President William Ruto expressed his condolences, recognising Thongori as an exceptional advocate and champion of justice. In his message, he said, “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.”

Ruto also highlighted Thongori’s legacy of kindness and wisdom, which touched the hearts of those who worked with her.

Fred Ojiambo, Chair of the Senior Counsel Bar (SCB), described her as a compassionate advocate and a dedicated mentor. “Judy was the country’s foremost authority in family law, and her contributions were recognised by being placed on the Law Society of Kenya Roll of Honour,” Ojiambo said in a statement.

“Her selflessness and willingness to serve the SCB and LSK as a mentor will be greatly missed,” he added.

Thongori’s career was marked by tireless efforts to advance the course of family law and human rights.

In addition to her distinguished private practice, she served as Deputy Director and Head of Litigation at the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya), where she played an instrumental role in shaping policies that protect women’s rights and advocating for the legal empowerment of women.

Thongori was also an active participant in various legal reforms, working to ensure women’s rights were better enshrined in the national legal framework.

Current LSK president Faith Odhiambo described Thongori as a “monument of legal prowess” whose legacy would forever be etched in the annals of Kenyan law.

“The legal fraternity mourns the loss of a distinguished member and beacon of excellence. 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.

Thongori’s contributions to the advancement of women’s rights were pivotal in shaping not only family law but also the broader fight for gender equality in Kenya. 

In a career spanning over three decades, she was known not only for her sharp legal mind but also for her unwavering commitment to standing up for vulnerable populations, particularly women. One of the most notable milestones in her career came when she successfully sued the Kenyan government for failing to implement the 30 per cent representation of women in public office.

This landmark case solidified her status as a fierce advocate for gender justice and cemented her place in Kenya’s legal history.

Thongori’s clients, many of whom sought her expertise in navigating complex matrimonial disputes, divorce, custody battles, and inheritance cases, consistently praised her for her profound understanding of the law, as well as her sensitivity to the deeply personal nature of these issues.

Thongori was educated at Kahuhia Girls’ High School for Ordinary Level (O-Level) and at the Kenya High School for Advanced Level (A-Level).

She graduated from law school at the University of Nairobi and began an unchallenging job at the Attorney general’s office. Her career was built on her ability to navigate some of the most high-profile and complex family law cases in Kenya.

Thongori prosecuted the contentious and bitter divorce case involving former Kenya Power chief executive Samuel Gichuru and his wife, Salome Njeri after 39 years of marriage.

Njeri through her lawyer Thongori, moved to court seeking an equal share of the multimillion-dollar matrimonial property.

The case was filed in the Family Court in Nairobi on November 14, 2006. Another notable case involved Thongori’s representation of Jane Gathoni, the widow of former spy chief James Kanyotu, in a multi-billion-shilling estate dispute.

The complexities of wealth, inheritance, and family dynamics were carefully navigated by Thongori, whose meticulous approach to the case ensured that the interests of all parties were addressed.

This case further cemented her reputation as a master of family law, particularly in matters involving high-net-worth individuals.

Her legal prowess was also on display during the estate dispute of John Mwangi Kagema, the late former Equity Bank boss.

Thongori’s meticulous approach to the case ensured that the interests of all parties were addressed, even when tensions ran high.

Her ability to handle high-stakes cases with professionalism and grace earned her admiration from clients and colleagues alike.

Chief Justice Martha Koome, who knew Thongori both personally and professionally, offered her condolences, saying, “Thongori personified the promise of the law as a tool for empowerment.” 

Koome reflected on Thongori’s tireless contributions to family law reform and her pivotal role in shaping legal practice within the Family Division of the High Court.

“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,” Koome stated.