Senior Counsel Judy Thongori Dies

Respected lawyer and Senior Counsel Judy Thongori is dead.

The prominent advocate reportedly passed away after a short illness in a development that has put the legal fraternity in mourning. 

Considered a distinguished member of the legal service, Thongori practised law for over 30 years specialising in family law.

The Senior Counsel founded her law firm, Judy Thongori & Co. Advocates in 2003 and was acknowledged as an experienced litigator, advisor and mediator in family law matters.

In her career, Thongori extensively litigated on behalf of many in family disputes at all levels in court and contributed to public awareness and discourse on various aspects of Family Law through audio, television and print media.

Her death sent shockwaves in the legal world with prominent lawyers mourning her as a legal great and pioneer in the law practice. 

Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo mourned Thongori recognising her impact in the law profession terming her as a beacon of inspiration to current and aspiring lawyers.

“This morning, the legal fraternity mourns the loss of a distinguished member and beacon of excellence. Judy Thongori SC has been a monument of legal prowess and exemplified all the qualities of a professional North Star,” Odhiambo noted.

“Her noteworthy contributions to family law and human rights are timeless and continue to propagate a learning curve for many in the profession. The legacy she leaves behind will remain an indelible mark of her impact that lives on among us,” she added.

Thongori earned her LLB law degree from the University of Nairobi later proceeding to earn her postgraduate diploma in law from the Kenya School of Law thus earning her the title of advocate.  

In her lifetime, Thongori’s contributions were felt in the area of policy around family law matters earning her recognition from her fellow peers.

 In 2013, Judy contributed extensively to the development of the Matrimonial Property Act which became law as well as the development of the Marriage Act which became law in 2014. Additionally, Judy contributed to human rights and gender issues as an activist training lawmakers, lawyers, police and even judicial officers on the same.

Also, in 2013, she became the first woman to be inducted into the “Roll of Honour” by the Law Society of Kenya for distinguished service in the legal profession in Kenya. In 2015, she was awarded by the Law Society of Kenya in recognition of offering pro Bono legal services. In 2020, she was conferred the rank of Senior Counsel for her exemplary work in the legal profession.