In a profound loss to the Kenyan legal fraternity, High Court Judge Justice David Majanja passed away on Wednesday July 10, 2024 at a Nairobi hospital, where he was undergoing treatment after a surgery.
The news of his untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the country, with leaders and the judiciary expressing deep sorrow and paying tribute to his remarkable contributions.
President William Ruto led the nation in mourning, stating, “I have learnt with great sorrow about the death of the Hon. David A S Majanja, who was a judge of the High Court of Kenya, and a member of the Judicial Service Commission, which occurred earlier today.
“On behalf of the government, I extend condolences to Hon. Majanja’s family and friends and the Judiciary. May Almighty God grant you the strength to bear this loss, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also mourned Justice Majanja, terming him a “prolific gifted mind who immensely contributed to redefining the legal profession and the justice system of our country in diverse ways.”
Chief Justice Martha Koome, in a heartfelt statement, said, “On behalf of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission, it is with profound sadness that I announce the sudden passing of Hon. Justice David Amilcar Shikomera Majanja, Judge of the High Court of Kenya and Commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission.
“We are all heartbroken. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Judiciary and JSC fraternity during this time of deep sorrow and sadness.”
Justice Majanja was first appointed as a Judge of the High Court in 2011 and had served in various capacities, including at the Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, and Kisii High Courts, as well as the Commercial and Tax Divisions and the Milimani High Court Civil Division.
He held a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the University of Pretoria and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi.
Prior to his judicial appointment, Justice Majanja practiced law, specializing in civil and commercial law, and was actively involved in public interest litigation.
He also served as Assisting Counsel for the Commission of Inquiry into the Post-Election Violence, known as the Waki Commission.
Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo expressed the legal fraternity’s profound loss, stating, “It is with deep remorse that I have learnt of the passing on of High Court Judge and JSC Commissioner, Justice David Majanja. It is a profoundly sad day for Kenya and the legal fraternity.”
Professor Olive Mugenda mourned Justice David Majanja as a knowledgeable and non-judgmental man.
“I worked closely with the Hon. Judge in JSC. He was a very knowledgeable professional in matters Law and very able to effortlessly remember all those authorities and legal citations.
“To the non-lawyer Commissioners like me, the Hon. Justice Majanja was patient, non Judgemental, encouraging and quick to compliment us when we made some simple legal references”, said Prof Mugenda.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko also sent his condolences saying, “Kenya has lost a committed individual who dispensed justice impartially and according to the law.
“Although I did not have personal interactions with him, I was honoured to be sworn in as the second Nairobi City Governor by him,” stated Sonko.
