"Her commitment to sharing knowledge and mentoring young advocates, CJ Koome says, further underscored her dedication to advancing the legal profession"
Judy Thongori was a Kenyan lawyer and rights activist. She was a women's rights activist, and she successfully sued the Kenyan government for not delivering 30% representation for women.
"Her insights and expertise were evident even in recent times. Just last November, during the Supreme Court @ 12 Conference, Ms. Thongori enriched a panel discussion on emerging family law jurisprudence emanating from the Supreme Court of Kenya. Her contributions to the legal discourse, particularly in family law and human rights, leave behind a lasting and transformative legacy;Chief Justice Martha Koome"
"Her leadership was instrumental in positioning FIDA-Kenya as a formidable force in using the law to protect the rights, interests, and dignity of vulnerable women, children and the family well-being. Ms. Thongori personified the promise of the law as a tool for empowerment. Her pivotal contributions to advocacy, family law reform, and shaping legal practice at the Family Division of the High Court profoundly impacted the development of family law in Kenya and inspired a generation of legal professionals;Chief Justice Martha Koome"
"I recommend to employers to give space to families in their organisations. Let us hang photos of our loved ones in the offices as they energise us and we feel that our employer cares."
"Her professional stature never overshadowed her role as a devoted wife and mother. Judy loved deeply, and family was her everything. Her love extended far beyond our home, and she gave generously to others,” Gikandi said"
"Society, sadly, made me feel that to be professionally successful, I had to be unattached. A pregnant or breastfeeding professional looked untidy."
"Ms Thongori has been something of the ultimate inspiration. She combined the skills of a lawyer, writer and activism to pursue impactful change and curve her place in Kenya and beyond. She had the courage to fight in courts and the streets for those targeted for fighting for a better country. Judy is part of a generation that sought to provide light to the cause of justice when the night was pitch dark, who kept pressing no matter the odds on the path and who became living testimony that resilience and courage bring rewards. We wish her well in her next journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends to whom she has bequeathed a sound and honorable legacy;Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga"