Legal practitioners from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) -Kisumu branch have paid their tributes to the departed High Court Judge Joseph Onguto.
Led by Justice David Majanja during the early Tuesday morning tribute service held at Kisumu High Court, Justice Onguto who collapsed and died on March 1 was hailed as an impeccable judge whose rulings will never be forgotten.
Justice Onguto served at the Milimani High court and was famous for the rulings he made in election petitions and commercial/business cases.
Justice Majanja hailed him as custodian of the law who protected the rights of demonstrators stating that lawful demonstrations could not be curtailed by the government and that people should be allowed to express even the less popular opinions as long as they don’t lead to violence and propaganda of war.
“This was evident when he heard the Ferdinand Waititu and IPOA case verses the Attorney General,” stated Justice Majanja.
Justice Majanja further stated that Justice Onguto was also active in pushing for the two thirds gender rule when he ruled that President Uhuru Kenyatta and the National Assembly had unconstitutionally entertained a list of Cabinet Secretaries who were not in tandem with the two third gender rule.
Justice Thrispisa Cherere stated that the fallen Judge gave rulings that were beyond reproach and that he was of invaluable support to the judiciary.
Justice Cherere also praised the Late Onguto for his rulings in the commercial sector pointing out the Nakumatt Holding and Junction limited case.
Other Judges who paid their tribute were Justice Stephen Kibunja, Justice Esther Maina and Kisumu Chief Magistrate Julius Ng’arng’ar among other legal officers.
Justice Onguto will be burried on Saturday 24 March at his rural home in Dudi village, Gem, Siaya County.