High Court Judge Justice David Majanja passed away at Nairobi Hospital on Wednesday, July 10. The judge had been admitted to the hospital for surgery before his tragic demise.
Majanja was recognised for his intellect, integrity, and composed demeanour. He was committed to delivering justice in a manner that earned him respect and admiration among his colleagues.
“It is a profoundly sad day for Kenya and the legal fraternity as we have lost one of the fine minds on our bench. His studious contributions to our country’s Jurisprudence and commitment to upholding standards of excellence in Judicial service formed a remarkable legacy for which he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed,” the Law Society of Kenya’s statement read.
Due to his impartial and professional reputation, Majanja was elected to multiple boards and committees.
“Give us the capacity, give us the means where we should, and then we can work on our solutions.”
Hon Justice David Amilcar Shikomera Majanja
Justice Majanja was appointed as a Judge of the High Court in 2011.
During his time in office, he served at the Milimani Civil Division Court.
He was recently sworn in as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on May 28, after being re-elected to represent the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA).
He also held various positions, including commissioner at the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Chair of the Administration of Justice Committee at JSC, and a member of the Judiciary Rules Committee.
Before his re-election, Justice Majanja chaired the Human Resource Management Committee and was a member of the Audit Committee.
Justice Majanja will be remembered for his historic ruling leading the three-judge High Court panel, which deemed President William Ruto’s housing levy unconstitutional in November 2023.
He also served as a presiding Judge at Homa Bay and Migori High Courts and was a member and later Vice-chairperson of the Judiciary Working Committee on Election Preparations (JWCEP).
Before his judicial appointment, he had a distinguished career in legal practice, specializing in civil and commercial law. Majanja worked for Mohammed and Muigai Advocates and Onyango and Ohaga Advocates before founding Majanja Luseno and Company Advocates in 2007.
Academic Background
Justice Majanja’s educational journey began at Hill School in Eldoret before progressing to the renowned Alliance High School.
He also earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and was admitted to the Bar in 1998.
He pursued higher education at the University of Nairobi, obtaining a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1996.
He held a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in International Trade and Investment Law in Africa from the University of Pretoria (2005) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi (1996).
Colleagues and Dignitaries Eulogise Majanja
Chief Justice Martha Koome mourned Majanja and described him as a towering figure in the judicial service.
“Kenya has lost a committed individual who dispensed justice impartially and according to the law. Justice Majanja was renowned for his landmark judgments and his impartiality in delivering justice,” former Governor Mike Sonko shared on X.
President Ruto eulogized Majanja as an intelligent man who left an indelible mark on the Judiciary and whose diligent work and contribution to the country would be remembered.
“His integrity and ability inspired the confidence of his colleagues, while his powerful intellect made him a trusted juridical voice,” Ruto’s statement read.
“It is a profoundly sad day for Kenya and the legal fraternity as we have lost one of the fine minds on our bench.” LSK President Faith Odhiambo said, expressing her condolences.
