The Kenyan judiciary is in mourning following the death of Court of Appeal Judge Justice Fred Ochieng, a jurist celebrated as much for his sharp legal mind as for his jovial and comical nature. Chief Justice Martha Koome confirmed the judge’s passing on Wednesday, September 17.
In an official statement, Chief Justice Koome eulogized Justice Ochieng as a towering figure in the development of Kenya’s commercial law and a strong advocate for alternative dispute resolution. “He will be fondly remembered as a towering figure in the development of Kenya’s commercial law jurisprudence and as a strong advocate for the promotion of alternative dispute resolution,” Koome stated.
At the time of his death, Justice Ochieng was spearheading a significant national initiative as the Chairperson of the Court Annexed Mediation Taskforce, leading the charge to integrate mediation into the justice system to improve access to justice and reduce case backlogs.
Justice Ochieng’s distinguished legal career began long before his ascension to the bench. He was a long-serving advocate of the High Court of Kenya before he joined the Judiciary in 2003 as a High Court Judge. His judicial service saw him preside over courts in multiple stations across the country, including Kitale, Kakamega, and Kisumu, and he served in the Civil, Criminal, Commercial, and Admiralty Divisions in Nairobi. His extensive experience on the front lines of Kenya’s legal system earned him widespread respect.
In 2022, his expertise and dedication were recognized with his elevation to the Court of Appeal.
Beyond his official titles and accomplishments, tributes have poured in highlighting his unique character as a judge. Former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi shared a poignant personal tribute, revealing that he had both won and lost several cases before Justice Ochieng.
“A jovial, comical, but deliberate and decisive Judge he was. I won and lost many cases before Justice Fred Ochieng, but never appealed and defended any appeal from him,” Havi stated. “Everyone was satisfied. A good Judge has signed and delivered his final decision. There is no right of appeal.”
Havi praised this rare quality, noting that the judge’s warm and jovial nature never interfered with his deliberate and thoughtful approach to determining case resolutions—a testament to his perfect balance of humanity and judicial rigor.
The cause of Justice Ochieng’s death has not been publicly disclosed. As the legal community and the nation come to terms with the loss, he is remembered not just for his rulings, but for the profound sense of fairness and satisfaction he imparted to all who appeared before him.
As one online commenter, Roselyne Chebet Nyabonyi, expressed: “Sincere condolences to his family and friends may his soul rest.” This sentiment echoes across Kenya, marking the passing of a true pillar of justice.
