CJ Martha Koome Announces the Demise of Justice David Majanja
By Shadrack Nyakoe
Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced the passing of High Court Judge David Majanja, who died while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
In a press statement, Chief Justice Koome remembered Majanja as a pivotal figure in the development of Kenya’s transformative post-2010 jurisprudence and a key pillar in building the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Judiciary.
“On behalf of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission, it is with profound sadness that I announce the sudden passing of Hon. Justice David Amilcar Shikomera Majanja, Judge of the High Court of Kenya and Commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission. We are all heartbroken. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Judiciary and JSC fraternity during this time of deep sorrow and sadness,” she stated.
“We stand in solidarity with the family, friends, and the entire Judiciary and JSC community during this very difficult period of mourning. The Judiciary and JSC family call for sensitivity and compassion as we come to terms with this sudden loss and share in grief with one another and with the people of Kenya,” she added.
Appointed as a High Court Judge in 2011, Justice Majanja served in various capacities throughout his distinguished career, including positions at the Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, and Kisii High Courts, as well as at the Commercial and Tax Divisions and the Milimani High Court Civil Division.
Justice Majanja held a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in International Trade and Investment Law in Africa from the University of Pretoria, obtained in 2005. He also earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi in 1996, followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1998.
Before his judicial appointment, Justice Majanja practiced law, specializing in Civil and Commercial Law, and was actively involved in public interest litigation. Notably, he served as Assisting Counsel for the Commission of Inquiry into the Post-Election Violence (Waki Commission).
As a Commissioner at the Judicial Service Commission, Justice Majanja chaired the Administration of Justice Committee and was a member of the Judiciary Rules Committee. He served as the Presiding Judge at Homa Bay and Migori High Courts and played a significant role as a member and later Vice-chairperson of the Judiciary Working Committee on Election Preparations (JWCEP).
