Kenya’s legal fraternity is in mourning following the death of Court of Appeal Judge Fredrick Ochieng Andago, whose passing was confirmed by Chief Justice Martha Koome on Tuesday.
In a statement, CJ Koome described Justice Ochieng as a jurist who left a deep mark on Kenya’s legal landscape, particularly in the fields of commercial law and alternative dispute resolution.
She noted that he had been at the forefront of the national roll-out of court-annexed mediation, which has become a key pillar in easing the backlog of cases.
“Justice Ochieng will be fondly remembered as a towering figure in the development of Kenya’s commercial law jurisprudence and a strong advocate for mediation. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Judiciary,” said Koome.
Justice Ochieng began his judicial service in 2003 as a High Court judge, serving in stations including Kitale, Kakamega, Kisumu, and various divisions in Nairobi. In 2022, he rose to the Court of Appeal.
Before joining the Bench, he practiced law for nearly two decades at Kaplan & Stratton Advocates.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo also expressed her grief, describing him as the model of what a judge should be.
“Justice Ochieng was the quintessential jurist who exemplified competence, integrity, and independence. He was a trailblazer in alternative dispute resolution and made monumental contributions to court-annexed mediation. His legacy is one of excellence and unwavering commitment to justice,” Odhiambo said.
His colleagues and the wider legal community have hailed him as a gentle but firm voice whose wisdom shaped the Judiciary for more than two decades.
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