Chief Justice Martha Koome has sent a message of condolence to the family, relatives, and friends of the late Justice (Rtd) Akilano Molade Akiwumi.
In a message sent on behalf of the Judiciary family, the CJ expressed their deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues and prayed to God to comfort and strengthen the family during this difficult time.
She described Justice Akiwumi as a person who tirelessly and patriotically served the Country as a distinguished jurist, who was known for delivering numerous judgements and rulings that enriched the legal framework and also contributed to its development.
In a press statement sent to newsrooms, Koome said Justice Akiwumi will be remembered as a Judge who shaped the course of justice in Kenya and for his endeavours in his work to anchor values of inclusivity and cohesion in the Country.
“May the memories of Justice Akiwumi’s remarkable life and enduring contributions to justice provide solace to us all and inspiration to present and future generations of legal practitioners,” said CJ Koome.
She said that in his professional triumphs, the late Akiwumi was a mentor and friend to many within the Judiciary and the broader legal fraternity, and was known for his kindness, generosity, courage, warmth, and wisdom, which touched many lives.
Justice Akiwumi served as a Judge of the High Court of Kenya from 1987 to 1993, and thereafter as a Judge of the Court of Appeal from 1993, until his retirement in 2001.
He also served as a Judge and President of the Common Markets for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) Court of Justice from 2000 to 2003, championing cross-border judicial collaboration and comparative co-development.
Upon retirement, he became a leading advocate for alternative dispute resolution in numerous commercial disputes, where his work greatly promoted the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in settling disputes.
The CJ said the late Akiwumi also chaired the renowned Akiwumi Commission of Inquiry into Tribal Clashes, when he was appointed in 1998 to investigate various ethnic clashes in Kenya from 1991 to 1998.
By Bernadette Khaduli
