CJ Koome Mourns Death Of Court Of Appeal Judge
Koome praised Justice Ochieng as a brilliant legal mind devoted to upholding justice.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Chief Justice Martha Koome has confirmed the death of Court of Appeal Judge Fred Ochieng.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 17, Koome praised Justice Ochieng as a brilliant legal mind devoted to upholding justice.
She further highlighted his contributions to fields such as commercial law and mediation, noting his impact even before his appointment to the judiciary in 2003.
An undated image of the late Court of Appeal judge Justice Fred Ochieng. /THE JUDICIARY
"On behalf of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission, I convey with profound sadness the news of the passing of Hon. Justice Fredrick Ochieng Andago, Judge of the Court of Appeal of Kenya. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Judiciary during this time of great sorrow," she stated in part.
"Justice Ochieng joined the Judiciary in 2003 as a Judge of the High Court, where he served with distinction in various stations, including the Civil Division, Kitale, Kakamega, the Criminal Division, the Commercial and Admiralty Division, and Kisumu. In 2022, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal."
The Chief Justice added that he leaves behind a legacy as a key architect of Kenya’s commercial law jurisprudence and a passionate supporter of alternative dispute resolution.
At the time of his death, he was Chairperson of the Court-Annexed Mediation Taskforce, leading the nationwide implementation of Court-Annexed Mediation.
Before joining the Judiciary, he had a distinguished career as an Advocate of the High Court in the firm of Kaplan & Stratton Advocates for almost two decades.
"We stand in solidarity with his family, friends, and the entire Judiciary community during this difficult period of mourning. We call for sensitivity and compassion as we share in this collective grief. May Hon. Justice Fred Ochieng’s soul rest in eternal peace," she added.
Former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi was among the legal practitioners who paid tribute to the late Justice Fred Ochieng.
Havi described him as a fair judge before whom he both won and lost cases, noting that his cheerful personality never interfered with the seriousness and decisiveness of his rulings.
"Everyone was satisfied. A good Judge has signed and delivered his final decision. There is no right of appeal," he mourned.
The cause of Ochieng's death was yet to be revealed by the time of publishing this article.
