Jalenga died on the morning of Sunday, October 20 following a long illness.
Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome has mourned the demise of Zena Atetwe Rashid Jalenga, a Resident Magistrate at the Milimani Commercial Court.
According to her statement, Jalenga died on the morning of Sunday, October 20 following a long illness.
“It is with a profound sense of loss and sadness that I announce the death of Hon. Zena Atetwe Rashid Jalenga, Resident Magistrate, Milimani Commercial Court, which occurred early in the morning of October 20, 2024, following a long illness bravely borne,” she stated in part on X.
The CJ, in mourning her, remembered Jalenga for her service in the Judiciary where she exhibited firm commitment to the cause of justice and the rule of law, working diligently and in keeping with the values of the Constitution in service to the nation.Â
Photo of the late Zena Atetwe Rashid Jalenga, Resident Magistrate, Milimani Commercial Court. /MARTHA KOOME.X
“On my own behalf and that of the Judiciary fraternity, I extend heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and loved ones. We pray that the Almighty God graces us the fortitude to brave this difficult period and rests her soul in eternal peace,” she added.
Jalenga was among the six people President William Ruto appointed to be part of the Panel to select a chairperson and two members of the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ). She was among the 70 judges CJ Koome appointed on August 9, 2023.
Her death makes her the second Magistrate to pass on this year. On June 15, Makadara Law Courts Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti died from gunshot injuries she sustained during a shooting incident at the Makadara Law Courts, on Thursday, June 13.
President Ruto afterwards condemned the incident, stating “The confrontation, threats or attacks of any form against judicial officers is unacceptable, criminal and an affront to the rule of law.”
“The Police exists to assure Kenyans of reliable security. Under no circumstances should they abandon this essential obligation or ever turn from their duty of protection and become threats to the safety and security of the people,” he mentioned.
Ruto thus tasked the police to ensure that judicial officers in Kenya are protected at all costs while on duty.
Kivuti passed away shortly after requesting blood donations through her caregivers at the hospital. The incident occurred at Makadara Law Courts when the magistrate revoked the bond of a police officer’s wife after she violated her bond terms without a satisfactory explanation.