Athman Mutunga, the son of Willy Mutunga, Kenya’s Chief Justice from 2011 to 2016, died on Saturday in Nairobi. He was 50.
Mr Mutunga had spent weeks receiving treatment at the Coptic Main Hospital, where he passed away. The family’s friend and journalist, Kwamchetsi Makokha, announced his death in a post on social media, paired with a photo of Athman as a boy with his father.
“Condolences to Chief Justice Emeritus @WMutunga on the passing of son Athman at Coptic Hospital yesterday. After four surgeries in two months, doctors were confident Athman would make it,” journalist Makokha, a former news editor at Nation Media Group, wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Burial is today at 4 PM in Kitui, in keeping with Muslim rites.”
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Senior government officials, led by the current Chief Justice Martha Koome, and other notable individuals joined in an outpouring of grief on Sunday, mourning with the former CJ’s family, one day after the passing of his son.
“On behalf of the Judiciary family and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest condolences to Emeritus Chief Justice (Rtd) Dr Willy Mutunga and his family on the heartbreaking loss of his beloved son, Athman Mutunga,” CJ Koome shared in a statement.
The statement continued, “While words may never fully ease the pain of losing a loved one, we hope that the family finds comfort in the cherished memories shared with Athman.”
“I offer my deepest and heartfelt condolences to my friend, former CJ @WMutunga, for the untimely passing of his son, Athman, at 50. I wish him and his dear family strength during this difficult time,” Prof Makau Mutua grieved.
Lawyer Willis Otieno expressed on X, “My sincere condolences, Comrade Willy Mutunga, on the passing of your beloved son. We cannot imagine the depth of your pain during this difficult time but know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find strength in the cherished memories of Athman and comfort in the love and support of those around you. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
“Poleni, CJ @WMutunga, for the loss of your son. May Allah comfort you and give you strength during these tough times,” wrote Dr Roselyn Akombe, the former commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
At BT, we send our heartfelt sympathy and healing prayers to Willy Mutunga’s family during this difficult time.
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