Judy Thongori, a renowned family lawyer and women’s rights activist, passed away on January 14 while receiving treatment in India. Wife to John Thongori and mother of two, her career left an indelible mark on Kenya’s legal landscape, particularly in family law and constitutionalism.
Thongori gained prominence in 2011 by leading a legal team in Petition No. 16, which successfully opposed President Mwai Kibaki’s unilateral nomination of Justice Alnashir Visram as Chief Justice under the 2010 Constitution. The case emphasized the importance of public participation and judicial independence, cementing her legacy in constitutional law.
Thongori began her career as a prosecution counsel at the Attorney General’s chambers before transitioning into private practice, focusing initially on commercial law. Influenced by her sister-in-law Martha Koome and Nancy Baraza, she joined FIDA and found her calling in family law, handling numerous matrimonial cases and advocating for women’s rights.
Despite facing criticism for perceived radicalism, Thongori embraced her public image, saying her work was driven by a desire to empower women and improve their lives. Her dedication earned her a place as the first woman inducted into the Law Society of Kenya’s Roll of Honour in 2013, followed by her elevation to Senior Counsel in 2020.
President William Ruto lauded her contributions to justice, while Raila Odinga praised her as an inspiration to young advocates. Senior Counsel Fred Ojiambo and Ahmednasir Abdullahi remembered her as a mentor, advocate for social justice, and a respected figure in the legal community.
Thongori’s passing leaves a void in Kenya’s legal fraternity, but her legacy as a champion of equality and human rights endures.
