Uhuru, Raila lead Kenyans in Mourning Appellate Judge Otieno Odek

President Uhuru Kenyatta has and former prime minister Raila Odinga have led Kenyans in mourning Court of Appeal Judge Prof James Otieno Odek.

President Kenyatta in his message described Odek as a prolific intellectual and a gifted legal mind.

In his message of condolence to the family, relatives and friends of the late Justice Odek, President Kenyatta said he was shocked and deeply saddened by the death of the Appellate Judge.

The President said the death of Justice Odek is 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.

The President prayed to God to comfort and give fortitude to the family at this trying moment.

ODM party leader Raila Odinga on his part said Odek’s untimely death robs the Judiciary of a critical member at a very critical time for Kenya and the Justice system.

“My deep condolences to the family and friends of Court of Appeal Judge Prof Justice James Otieno Odek. His untimely death robs the Judiciary of a critical member at a very critical time for our country and the Justice system,” he posted.

Odek died on Monday morning at his home in Kisumu.

The family says the judge collapsed and died in the house. He was aged 56.

Judge Odek served as the Director of the Judiciary Training Institute from 2016 to 2018, having become a Judge of the Court of Appeal in 2012.

In 2011, he unsuccessfully applied for the position of Supreme Court judge.