Master interrogator : Lawyer Elisha Ongoya steals limelight in Senate

Lawyer Elisha Ongoya during Senate impeachment trial against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on October 17, 2024. [Elvis Ogina]

Lawyer Elisha Ongoya has emerged as a prominent figure in Kenya’s legal and political arena, especially after his masterful cross-examination of witnesses during the impeachment proceedings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

His exceptional skills in cross-examination have not only drawn attention in Parliament but also sparked discussions on social media.

During the two-day impeachment proceedings at the Senate, Ongoya's performance was praised for its sharpness and strategic approach, underscoring his impact in the courtroom.

As a member of a 14-lawyer team representing DP Gachagua, Ongoya is joined by notable legal minds, including Senior Counsel Paul Muite, Victor Swanya Ogeto and Ndegwa Njiru.

Ongoya’s commanding presence in the courtroom has made him a household name.

His role in the Senate trial on Wednesday propelled him further into the national spotlight, particularly for his rigorous cross-examination of Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, the mover of the impeachment motion in the National Assembly.

For most of Wednesday evening, Ongoya pressed Mutuse relentlessly, exposing the MP’s difficulty in substantiating many of the allegations against the Deputy President.

At one point, Ongoya remarked: “Mr Mutuse, you told me you are a lawyer… let’s be lawyers now,” a cutting statement that could unsettle even the most confident legal professional.

Ongoya's line of questioning revealed significant gaps in Mutuse’s allegations.

When Mutuse claimed the Deputy President's property was valued at Sh5.2 billion, Ongoya pressed him for justification, leaving the MP struggling to connect the dots.

“What is wrong with Fortis done?” Ongoya asked about one of the companies listed as belonging to the Deputy President.

Mutuse replied, “We have no quarrel with Fortis.” Ongoya countered: “Then what is it doing in this motion? Is it decorative?”

This exchange illustrated Ongoya’s ability to dismantle accusations with precision.

His incisive questioning not only exposed weaknesses in the allegations against Gachagua but also showcased Ongoya's remarkable ability to navigate the complexities of political and legal discourse.

His probing focused on the sources of Mutuse’s claims, pushing for specific evidence to substantiate the serious accusations against Gachagua.

The notable exchanges during the impeachment hearings cemented Ongoya’s reputation as a formidable cross-examiner in this legal battle.

The public's reaction to Ongoya's performance was swift and widespread, with social media buzzing with praise for his brilliance and tactical approach during the proceedings.

Many took to their platforms to applaud his ability to maintain composure while skilfully navigating the political tensions inherent in such a high-profile case.

Wen Ajang Kuol captured the sentiment by calling him "Elisha Ongoya, the Lincoln lawyer." His impressive performance in the Senate has certainly made a mark!

Ongoya's strategic questioning not only highlighted the weaknesses in Mutuse's arguments but also underscored the importance of robust legal representation for public officials facing serious allegations.

His legal career is marked by notable achievements beyond the Gachagua case.

He defended Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza during her impeachment proceedings, showcasing his versatility and commitment to advocating for his clients in challenging legal battles.

His involvement in high-profile cases has positioned him as a trusted legal advisor for various political figures.

He also played a significant role in the legal team that successfully halted the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a controversial proposal aimed at amending the Kenyan Constitution.

In the courtroom and beyond, Ongoya is known for his meticulous preparation and commitment to his clients. 

Born on April 15, 1975, Ongoya’s journey into law began at the University of Nairobi, where he earned his law degree.

He furthered his studies at the Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI) in Israel, where he studied the Management of Higher Learning.

These experiences laid the foundation for his career in law and academia. His early education saw him excel at St. Paul’s Ikahlika Primary School and Musingu High School in Western Kenya.

Ongoya also holds a Master of Laws (LLM) from UoN and is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.

His legal career began with his admission as an advocate and has since seen his skills bring him widespread recognition.

His courtroom abilities are often described as sharp, meticulous, and commanding—traits that have made him a sought-after legal counsel.

He is a key partner of the Ongoya & Wambola Advocates, where he handles high-profile cases.