The death of renowned family lawyer and women’s right activist Judy Thongori has dealt a blow to the Kenyan legal fraternity with many eulogizing her as a trailblazer in the judicial sphere. Thongori passed away on Tuesday, January 15, after a brief illness.
Founder and proprietor of her own firm, Judy Thongori & Co. Advocates in 2003, Thongori’s over 30-year career established her as a leading litigator, advisor, and mediator in family law.
Here is her biography, highlighting her impactful career in family law and advocacy for women’s rights.
Early Life and Education
Thongori, born in Murang’a, was eldest of three siblings. She began her foundational learning at Kanyenya-ini Primary School where her mother was a teacher. She then proceeded to Kahuhia Girls’ High School for both her O-Level and A-Level studies.
Following high school, she joined the first cohort of the National Youth Service (NYS) in 1984 where she undertook three months of training. Upon completion, she set out on her legal journey, pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Nairobi and thereafter obtaining a postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
Career
Thongori began her legal career at the Attorney General’s office before transitioning to Lee Muthoga and Associates, where she discovered her passion. Initially specializing in company law, she later moved to family law and began private practice, founding Judy Thongori & Company Advocates in 2003.
She specialised in matrimonial and children matters, estate planning, succession and mediation, and conveyancing.
Throughout her extensive career litigating in family disputes across all court levels , she also raised public awareness on Family Law through audio, television, and print media.
In fact , she was a trained Family Mediator accredited by the Judiciary of Kenya’s Mediation Accreditation Committee. Her legal acumen transcended borders providing legal opinions for courts and lawyers in the UK, France, the Netherlands, and other countries.
Advocacy and Achievements
Thongori played a key role in shaping family law policy and contributed to drafting and implementation of the Matrimonial Property Act and the Marriage Act, which became law in 2014.
As a ardent observer of systemic issues, such as police neglect of abuse cases where men were sole breadwinners, she organized training sessions for law enforcement to tackle these cultural challenges.
She once served as the Deputy Director and head litigator of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kenya, a non-profit organization that provides legal aid to women and children and spearheaded initiatives to propel gender equality.
One of her most notable achievements was winning a case against the Kenyan government for failing to achieve 30 per cent women’s representation, marking a major victory in the fight for gender parity.
In 2023, Thongori was part of President William Ruto’s task-force to review of the legal and regulatory framework governing religious organisations in Kenya following the aftermath of the Shakahola Forest massacre.
Recognition
In 2013, Thongori became the first woman lawyer inducted into the Law Society of Kenya’s Roll of Honour, recognizing her outstanding service. She was later conferred the rank of Senior Counsel in 2020, further acknowledging her exemplary contributions.
Personal Life
Judy was married to lawyer John Thongori, with whom she had two children. She often shared that he was a constant source of support and motivation in her career.
Legacy
Thongori’s dedication to family law and women’s rights has left an enduring mark on Kenya’s legal landscape. She will be remembered for her work in legislative development, public education, and legal practice that has greatly advanced gender equality and justice in the country.
