TRIBUTE: FIDA-Kenya Tribute to senior Counsel Judy W. Thongori: A vanguard champion of women’s and children’s rights.

With heavy heart, we, the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), mourn the untimely passing of Senior Counsel Judy W. Thongori, a trailblazing lawyer, renowned family law expert, and cherished Senior Member of our organisation. SC Thongori was our former Deputy Executive Director (DED) and a dedicated Life Member who significantly contributed to the women’s rights movement, family law, and promoting access to justice in Kenya. 

SC Judy Thongori served FIDA-Kenya diligently in the 1990s and early 2000s – which were challenging times for Kenyan women and girls. During her tenure, she played a leading role in positioning the organisation as a premier women’s rights organisation that champions the rights, interests, and dignity of vulnerable women, children, and the family’s well-being. She was passionate about recruiting, mentoring, and inspiring young lawyers, leading to most of them achieving career milestones.

SC Judy Thongori was a champion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). At FIDA-Kenya, she always advised clients to seek mediation first before she could take up matters, including divorce cases. In divorce cases, she prioritised fairness, dignity, and the well-being of all parties. Also, she was instrumental in developing the FIDA-Kenya self-representation manual that we use to date.

While at FIDA-Kenya, she chiselled her name by standing for the marginalised and prosecuting their cases even when powerful forces wanted such violations hushed up. Indeed, sometimes, the mere mention of her name sent chills down the spines of many absentee fathers and those accused of battering their wives and children. She was also always there to help women, girls, and children when they were being disinherited.

Even after transitioning from FIDA-Kenya, SC Thongori continued to serve and participate in the organisation’s activities as an active senior member. She also served as one of the organisation’s Counsel and rendered skilled and professional advice in navigating complex legal issues. FIDA-Kenya also worked closely with SC Thongori during the development of the Matrimonial Property Act and the Marriage Act, where she took leading roles. 

SC Judy Thongori was a feminist at heart and engaged in feminist activism when it was not fashionable because a section of the population did not understand or appreciate what feminism entails. She was called different names and accused of not having a husband despite being happily married and blessed with two children at the time.

It is because of this activism and her work at FIDA-Kenya that she sustained attacks from a section of society that considered women to be second-rate citizens who were only suitable for rearing children and staying at home. Despite the attacks, SC Thongori was never shaken; she remained fearless and steadfast. We remember her as a courageous champion of gender equality every day.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the legal fraternity during this difficult time. Her wisdom, strength, and advocacy have not only impacted the organisation and countless women and families in Kenya, but also left an indelible mark on the legal profession, inspiring future generations of lawyers.

Rest in eternal peace, Senior Counsel Judy W. Thongori. You solidified your legacy as a vanguard champion of women’s and children’s rights. Your extraordinary life and mission of ensuring justice for all will forever remain etched in our organisation’s history, guiding our future endeavours.

Thank You. God Bless You.

Presented by Ms. Anne W. Ireri, FIDA-Kenya Executive Director, on January 22, 2025 at Nairobi Chapel.