Chief Justice and President of the Judicial Service Commission, Martha Koome, has shared a heartfelt message while announcing the passing of Justice Daniel Ogembo Ogola terming it as a deep blow.
As seen on her X account on July 17, 2024, Chief Justice Koome expressed her profound sorrow and condolences at the loss of Justice Ogembo, highlighting the significant impact and growth he had within the legal field.
“On behalf of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission, it is with profound sadness that I announce the sudden passing of Hon. Justice Daniel Ogembo Ogola, Judge of the High Court of Kenya.”
“Justice Ogembo joined the Judiciary as a Magistrate in 2004 and was subsequently appointed Judge of the High Court in 2016. At the time of his passing, he was the Presiding Judge at the Siaya Law Courts,” CJ Koome remarked.
In her message, Chief Justice Koome revealed that she received the news of Ogembo passing while they converged at Friends International Center, Ngong Road during the memorial service of the late Justice David Amilcar Shikomera Majanja, who served as a judge of the High Court of Kenya.
“We received the news as we were paying our final respects to Hon. Justice Majanja at the Friends International Centre, Ngong Road. The untimely passing of Hon. Justice Ogembo comes at a trying time for the Judiciary, Judicial Service Commission and the Nation at large,” Koome noted.
Chief Justice Koome emphasized the loss felt by the legal fraternity and the nation as a whole, recognizing Justice Ogembo’s invaluable role in shaping the judicial landscape.
Further Koome extended her sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues, acknowledging the void left by his passing.
“This is a deep blow to the Judiciary family, the legal fraternity and our country. We are all devastated.Our heartfelt condolences go out to Judge Ogembo’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Judiciary fraternity. As we come to terms with the news, we extend our hearts to everyone engulfed in sorrow and grief occasioned by the loss of loved ones,” Koome added.
Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Daniel Ogembo Ogola
On behalf of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission, it is with profound sadness that I announce the sudden passing of Hon. Justice Daniel Ogembo Ogola, Judge of the High Court of Kenya.
Justice Ogembo joined… pic.twitter.com/A0BnlOkE7l
— Hon. Justice Martha K. Koome, FCIArb, EGH (@CJMarthaKoome) July 17, 2024
Daniel Ogembo found dead in his house
Daniel Ogembo was found dead at his home in Siaya on the morning of Wednesday, July 17 2024, by his driver when he went to pick him up.
The driver was concerned about the judge when he did not answer his calls or texts, which prompted him to break into his house.
On July 16, 2024, Justice Ogembo reportedly complained that he was not feeling well. His body was moved to the mortuary for a postmortem.
Meanwhile, Siaya County Governor James Orengo has termed the death of Justice Ogembo as tragic.
“I join the entire judiciary in mourning the tragic death of Hon. Justice Daniel Ogembo Ogola who was the presiding Judge at Siaya High Court. Justice Ogembo had a marvellous ability to listen intently, reflect quietly and then interject, usually with brief few words that brought clarity in the courtroom. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he mourned.