Veteran High Court Judge Justice Godfrey Omondi Tunya Dies After Long Illness
Retired High Court Judge Justice Godfrey Omondi Tunya has passed away after a long battle with illness, bringing to a close the remarkable career of one of Kenya’s most experienced judicial officers.
His death marks the end of decades of service in the country’s justice system, where he earned recognition for handling some of the nation’s most significant and politically sensitive cases.
Justice Tunya died on Sunday night while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi. He had reportedly been admitted over the weekend after his health deteriorated following a prolonged illness.
His passing has saddened many within the legal fraternity, the Judiciary, and Kenyans who followed his long career in public service.
Chief Justice Martha Koome confirmed the news and paid tribute to the late judge, describing him as a committed and hardworking judicial officer who dedicated many years of his life to serving the people of Kenya through the courts.
She praised his contribution to the Judiciary and acknowledged the lasting impact he made during his years on the bench.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, July 7, Chief Justice Koome expressed her deepest sympathies to Justice Tunya’s family, friends, former colleagues, and everyone who had the opportunity to work with or know him throughout his judicial career.
She said the Judiciary was deeply saddened by the loss of one of its former judges and stood together with his loved ones during the difficult period of mourning.
“I have learnt of the passing of Justice Tunya. On my own behalf and on behalf of the Judiciary, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, former colleagues, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him,” Koome said in her message.
She further prayed that his family would find strength, peace, and comfort as they come to terms with the loss of their loved one.
According to the Chief Justice, Justice Tunya’s years of service and commitment to upholding the rule of law will always be remembered within Kenya’s judicial history.
Justice Tunya enjoyed a distinguished legal career that spanned several decades. He joined the Judiciary in 1974 as a District Magistrate shortly after earning his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1973. His dedication and professionalism saw him rise steadily through the ranks over the years.
In 1982, he was promoted to the position of Senior Resident Magistrate before becoming a Principal Magistrate in 1987. Three years later, in 1990, he was appointed Nairobi’s Chief Magistrate, a role that further cemented his reputation within the country’s legal system before eventually being elevated to the High Court bench.
The late judge became one of the most recognised judicial figures during the late 1980s and early 1990s when Kenya was under the one-party rule of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) government led by former President Daniel arap Moi.
During that period, he presided over several high-profile and politically sensitive cases that attracted national attention.
Among the cases he handled were those involving individuals accused of belonging to the underground Mwakenya movement, a political group that opposed the KANU government.
Working alongside then-state prosecutor Bernard Chunga, Justice Tunya delivered judgments that resulted in lengthy prison terms for several suspects, including university students accused of taking part in anti-government activities.
His decisions during that era generated widespread public discussion and made him one of the country’s best-known judicial officers.
While his role in those cases remains part of Kenya’s legal history, it also highlighted the challenging environment in which judges operated during the country’s one-party political system.
Outside his judicial duties, Justice Tunya also made headlines in 2013 after he was attacked by armed robbers along Mamlaka Road in Nairobi. During the incident, the attackers stole his legally licensed firearm, which was loaded with six rounds of ammunition.
The robbery attracted significant public attention due to his prominent position within the Judiciary.
Justice Tunya leaves behind a legacy of decades of public service, having played an important role in the development of Kenya’s justice system.
His long career, dedication to the legal profession, and contribution to the Judiciary will be remembered by colleagues, legal practitioners, and many Kenyans who witnessed his service over the years. His death marks the end of an important chapter in the country’s judicial history.
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