By AfricaLegalNews East Africa Desk
Judge of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice (Prof) James Otieno Aggrey Odek’s mysterious death has made an impact on Kenyan society. The judge was found dead in his apartment in Kisumu, Kenya on the morning of Monday 16 December 2019. He was 56.
Reports suggest he may have died over the weekend and only
got discovered when his driver found the door locked.
There have also been reports that CCTV cameras at the
judge’s residential apartment were dysfunctional
for the one week preceding the death.
Police early on in investigations reportedly stated that the
late judge was found with blood oozing out of his privates. There was mention
of the presence of a packet of sex enhancement drugs in the room; three had
been consumed. The discovery gave rise in some sections of the media that there
was involvement of substance abuse in the form of sex enhancement drugs. The
judge was reportedly found dead in bed, with blood oozing from his left ear and
privates, acceding to reports
by KDRTV and The Star.
However, the law society indicated that it was calling “upon
the media to refrain from speculations and allow the investigations to be
completed and respect the privacy of the family and the memory of the Judge.”
In a statement, the Law Society of Kenya described the late
judge as a “distinguished legal sage, perceptive Judge and a scholar of
unparalleled legal familiarity”.
“He was always kind, gentle, respectful and admired by
his colleagues for his enlightening views as for his strong belief in the cause
of justice. His contribution to the legal profession remains invaluable, and
his presence will be sorely missed,” said the statement released by law
society president Allen Waiyaki Gichuhi.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said the death of Justice
Odek was not only a big blow to his close family and the judiciary but also to
the whole country which he served with commitment and dedication in the
dispensation of justice without fear or favour.
“In this hour of sorrow and grief, I convey my deepest
sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Prof Justice James Otieno Odek’s
family, relatives and friends,” President Kenyatta said in a statement released
by State House Kenya.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga posted on Twitter that the
judge’s death “robs the Judiciary of a critical member at a very critical time
for our country and the Justice system.”
The late judge was born on 18 October 1963 in Asembo,
Rarieda, Kenya.
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