The ceremony honoured Hon. Timothy Ole Tanchu, Hon. Jacqueline Muthoni Ojwang, Hon. Monicah Kivuti, Hon. Zena Atetwe Rashid Jalenga, Hon. Bernard Kipyegon Rugut, Hon. Kunyuk John Tito, and Hon. Athman Abdulhalim Hussein, recognizing their invaluable service and contributions to Kenya’s justice system.

“We have gathered this afternoon in solemn unity to perform one of the Judiciary’s most sacred collective duties: to honour, remember, and give a dignified closure to the files of seven of our colleagues who departed from us over the last two years,” Chief Justice Koome said.

Presiding over a bench that included Environment and Land Court Presiding Judge Oscar Angote and High Court Judge Anthony Mrima, CJ Koome highlighted the officers’ devotion, humility, and integrity, noting that their passing left an unmistakable void—not only within their families and communities, but also within the Judiciary family.

The Chief Justice celebrated the late Chief Kadhi Athman Abdulhalim Hussein as a scholar and jurist whose mastery of Islamic jurisprudence enriched both the legal fraternity and the Muslim community.

“Hon Hussein mentored many young scholars and Kadhis, pursuing knowledge with unwavering commitment until his final day,” CJ Koome said, lauding his wisdom, compassion, and clarity in judgments.

The CJ remembered Hon. Monicah Kivuti as principled and courageous, recalling the tragic attack on her while she was hearing cases in a tent during lunch hour.

“Her killing was not only a personal tragedy but an attack on the rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary. Her sacrifice reminds us of the need to safeguard judicial officers,” Koome said.

Principal Magistrate Bernard Kipyegon Rugut was honoured for his gentleness, diligence, and compassion across postings in Bondo, Ndhiwa, Kericho, and Molo.

“He listened attentively, decided calmly, and treated every litigant with dignity,” Koome said.

The late Principal Kadhi John Tito Kunyuk was celebrated for his scholarship and leadership in the Muslim community, particularly in Islamic Family Law and the history of Kadhi courts.

“He contributed significantly to Kenya’s intellectual and legal landscape,” the Chief Justice noted.

The CJ described Hon. Timothy Letina Ole Tanchu as warm, humorous, and empathetic, whose service in Makadara, Taveta, City Court, Mombasa, Limuru, and Kibera exemplified dedication to justice.

“He approached every case with fairness and humanity,” CJ Koome said.

Hon. Jacqueline Muthoni Ojwang was remembered for kindness, generosity, humility, courage, and wisdom across her postings from Kibera to Thika and Butere.

Meanwhile, Hon. Zenah Atetwe Rashid Jalenga was celebrated for resilience, optimism, and her commitment to fairness and compassion in the Milimani Commercial Court.

“As we close their files today, we do not close their memory. We affirm their legacies as part of the enduring institutional memory of the Judiciary of Kenya. Their service forms part of the strong foundation upon which we continue to build a more accessible, independent, and people-centred justice system,” CJ Koome said.

Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya highlighted that the proceedings were more than an administrative exercise, calling it a profound gesture of institutional respect.

“Extending this honour to judicial officers affirms our commitment to recognising their dedicated service, offering comfort to their families, and ensuring their contributions are preserved in our institutional memory,” she said.

Justice Peter Mulwa, President of the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association, praised the departed officers for their determination and commitment to justice, while Hon. Everlyne Olwande of the Judicial Service Commission emphasized their quiet, steady, and dutiful service to the nation.

“We honour their service, cherish their memory, and assure their families that their contributions live on not just in documents, but in the lives they touched and the justice they dispensed,” Olwande said.

Families of the departed judicial officers expressed gratitude to the Judiciary for honouring their loved ones, acknowledging that the event offered both recognition and solace for their loss.

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