The Judiciary of Kenya has been thrown into mourning following the untimely death of Wilfred Mutubwa, the Vice Chairperson of the Political Disputes Tribunal.
Mutubwa reportedly collapsed and passed away on Tuesday November 26, 2024 in the evening while taking a brief break from a virtual court session in Nairobi.
His sudden demise has left the legal fraternity and the nation in shock, as the cause of his death remains undetermined.
A highly regarded legal mind, Mutubwa was not only a vital part of the Political Disputes Tribunal but also served as the Dean of the School of Law at Mount Kenya University.
Known for his dedication to the legal profession, he was celebrated for his mentorship of students and contributions to legal scholarship.
The judiciary and legal circles have expressed their profound loss, hailing his role in resolving political disputes and fostering the rule of law. Chief Justice Martha Koome, in her condolence message said;
“On behalf of the Judiciary family and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Wilfred Mutubwa, who served as the Vice-Chairperson of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) and as a Member of the Judiciary’s Court Annexed Mediation Taskforce,” Koome stated.
”Dr Mutubwa, who was also the Chairman Emeritus of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators – Kenya Branch, was renowned as a leading advocate for the multi-door approach to the delivery of justice in Kenya.
His championing of arbitration and mediation as preferred methods of dispute resolution was instrumental in shaping these practices within the justice sector,” she added.
As the Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators – Kenya, Mutubwa was also an advocate for Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Faith Odhiambo, president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), led other attorneys in their condolences, calling the lawyer a distinguished practitioner, scholar, and advocate for ADR.
“It is with profound sorrow that I have learnt of the untimely passing on of Dr. Wilfred Mutubwa, the Dean at the Mount Kenya University School of Law.
Dr. Mutubwa led a reputable career as a decorated practitioner, academician, and champion of Alternative Dispute Resolution, having served as Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators – Kenya. The legal profession has lost a distinguished member,” Odhiambo stated.
“Through his notable work in ADR, Mutubwa earned a place as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague and led groundbreaking efforts in enhancing the place of Arbitration in Kenya’s justice system,” She added.
