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Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome joined other Kenyans in mourning prominent Kenyan lawyer and women’s rights advocate Judy Thongori who passed away on Tuesday evening January 14, 2025, after a brief illness.

In a statement on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, CS Alice explained that she received the news of her passing with deep disbelief and sadness.

Wahome described the deceased as a friend and a colleague who shared a lot in their line of duty.

In her emotional tribute, CS Wahome reminiscenced their stints at the corridors of justice and how they teamed up to handle various cases.

She also recalled being part of the team that brought the late Judy Thongori on board as an Executive Director of the Federation of Women Lawyers – Kenya (FIDA Kenya) , a non-profit women’s membership organisation that offers free legal aid to women and their children.

“I received with shock & disbelief the sudden, sad news of the demise of Judy Thongori SC. Judy was a colleague and a dear friend. We teamed together in the corridors of Justice, and court benches, at FIDA Kenya, where we recruited her as an Executive Director, FIDA K. We strategized together at winning cases, and shared notes and experiences,” Wahome’s statement read in part.

We worked as advocates on one side or against each other and still managed to remain friends.

Colleagues to friends

According to CS Alice Wahome, their bond grew tighter as they transitioned from just being colleagues to close friends. She narrated various instances where they could even hold parties together.

“We held retreat meetings for advocacy and trainings together, had family lunches and small parties at our homes,” Wahome’s statement read in part.

She described the deceased as an astute advocate who prioritised her clients’ interests throughout her professional life. Wahome added that she was equally attracted by how she valued the Constitution and respected the rule of law.

The lands CS further claimed that Judy Thonogori’s contribution to family law would forever be valued.

“Judy was an astute, eloquent, intelligent advocate for her clients. She carried herself with decorum, courage and integrity. She fought battles in the family law courts for justice for women, guided by gender equality principles under our constitution.

“She had great respect for the rule of law. She was very sensitive to people’s views, opinions and feelings and went out of her way to reach out and make everyone around her comfortable,” CS Wahome added.

“Judy therefore made great contributions to the family law practice in Kenya. The country has lost a great woman of honour and courage.”

According to the family, she suddenly fell seriously ill last week and was flown to India for treatment, where she succumbed.

Other leaders led by President William Ruto, Chief Justice Martha Koome and LSK President Faith Odhiambo also shared their heartfelt condolences following the passing of Judy Thongori.

I received with shock & disbelief the sudden, sad news of the demise of Judy Thongori SC. Judy was a colleague & a dear friend. We teamed together at the corridors of Justice, court benches, at FIDA Kenya, where we recruited her as an Executive Director, FIDA K. We strategized… pic.twitter.com/73QCS4NZNV

— Hon. Alice Wahome, EGH (@WahomeHon) January 15, 2025