Retired High Court Judge Hon. Justice Godfrey Omondi Tunya has died after a prolonged illness, bringing to a close the distinguished career of one of Kenya’s respected judicial officers.
Justice Tunya passed away on Sunday night at a Nairobi hospital, where he had been admitted over the weekend after his health deteriorated following a long battle with illness.
Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Hon. Justice Martha Koome led the Judiciary in mourning the former judge, describing him as a dedicated servant of justice whose contribution to Kenya’s legal system would be remembered for generations.
In a message issued on Tuesday July 1, CJ Koome extended heartfelt condolences to Justice Tunya’s family, friends, former colleagues and all those who had the privilege of serving alongside him during his distinguished judicial career.
“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 who had the privilege of knowing him,” Koome stated.
“As the Judiciary mourns the loss of one of its former Judges, we stand in solidarity with his family during this difficult time. We pray that they may find strength, comfort, and solace,” she added.
Justice Koome noted that Justice Tunya began his judicial career as a magistrate before rising to the High Court, where he served with distinction, diligence and an unwavering commitment to the fair and timely administration of justice.
She said his years of faithful service significantly strengthened the rule of law and advanced the cause of justice in Kenya.
Justice Godfrey Omondi Tunya dedicated more than three decades to Kenya’s Judiciary, steadily rising through the ranks from a District Magistrate to a High Court judge.
After earning a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1973, he joined the Judiciary in 1974 as a District Magistrate. His career progressed through several key appointments, including promotion to Senior Resident Magistrate in 1982 and Principal Magistrate in 1987. In 1990, he was appointed Nairobi Chief Magistrate, a position he held before his elevation to the High Court Bench.
Justice Tunya gained national prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s when he presided over a number of politically sensitive cases during the one-party era under the Kenya African National Union (KANU) government led by former President Daniel arap Moi.
Among the most notable matters he handled were cases involving alleged members of the underground Mwakenya movement, a clandestine pro-democracy group that opposed the Moi administration and campaigned against one-party rule.
