Chief Justice Martha Koome has led the Judiciary in mourning the death of Court of Appeal Judge Fredrick Ochieng Andago, describing him as a “towering figure” in Kenya’s legal fraternity.
In her tribute, Koome who also chairs the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) hailed Justice Andago’s contribution to the country’s commercial law jurisprudence, noting that his career left an enduring mark on the administration of justice.
“We stand in solidarity with his family, friends, and the entire Judiciary community during this difficult period of mourning,” Koome said, urging compassion and sensitivity as the legal community grieves his loss.
Justice Andago’s judicial journey began in 2003 when he was appointed to the High Court. Over the years, he served in several divisions and stations across the country, including Kitale, Kakamega, Kisumu, and Nairobi’s Civil, Criminal, and Commercial & Admiralty Divisions. In 2022, he rose to the Court of Appeal, where he continued shaping Kenya’s jurisprudence with distinction.
Before joining the bench, Andago built a formidable career in private practice, spending close to two decades at Kaplan & Stratton Advocates, where he earned respect as a leading commercial law practitioner.
At the time of his death, he was chairing the Court Annexed Mediation Taskforce, a Judiciary initiative designed to expand the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Under his stewardship, the taskforce championed court-annexed mediation as a tool to ease case backlogs and promote faster, more accessible justice in line with the Constitution.
“He will be remembered not only for his role in shaping commercial law but also for his dedication to advancing alternative dispute resolution,” Koome noted in her statement.
Justice Andago’s passing marks the loss of a jurist whose professional life blended legal brilliance with a commitment to reform and innovation in Kenya’s justice system.
