Shock and grief have gripped Kenya’s legal fraternity after a prominent Nairobi lawyer tragically collapsed and died moments after attending a court session.
Reports indicate that Dr. Wilfred Mutubwa, the Vice Chairperson of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, suffered a sudden collapse and passed away immediately after representing a client in court.
At the time of his passing, Dr. Mutubwa was also serving as the Dean of the School of Law at Mount Kenya University.
His unexpected death has left his family and colleagues reeling, struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.
Chief Justice Martha Koome confirmed the heartbreaking news and paid tribute to Mutubwa, describing him as a dedicated advocate for justice and a champion of innovative dispute resolution methods.
She extended her condolences to his family and colleagues, stating, “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.”
Mutubwa was highly regarded for his efforts in promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods.
He previously served as the Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators – Kenya Branch, where he played a pivotal role in advancing arbitration and mediation as effective means of resolving disputes.
Notably, he was involved in mediating an ongoing dispute at a prominent city hospital, striving to help the institution achieve an amicable resolution.
“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,” Chief Justice Koome remarked.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Odhiambo, joined others in mourning the distinguished legal scholar.
She described him as a highly accomplished practitioner, academic, and an unwavering champion of ADR.
“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 to enhance the role of arbitration in Kenya’s justice system,” she said.
Following the tragedy, authorities moved Dr. Mutubwa’s body to the mortuary, where an autopsy and further investigations will be conducted to determine the cause of his sudden death.
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