Former High Court Judge Joseph Mutava Mbalu Dies After Sudden Illness
Justice Mutava, who was the husband of Kibwezi East Member of Parliament Jessica Nduku Mbalu, reportedly developed complications after returning home from a burial ceremony he had attended earlier in the day.
Family sources said he was rushed to Makindu Hospital in Makueni County after his condition deteriorated. However, he died while receiving treatment in the early hours of Saturday, August 22.
His body was later transferred to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi as his family began preparations to lay him to rest.
News of his death has triggered messages of condolence from political leaders, members of the legal profession and other Kenyans who remembered him for his years of service in the Judiciary.
Kalonzo leads tributes
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka was among the first prominent leaders to mourn the former judge.
In his message to Jessica Mbalu and her family, Kalonzo described Justice Mutava as a distinguished jurist who served Kenya with honour and integrity.
“Justice Mutava served our nation with honour, integrity and quiet distinction. He leaves behind a legacy of service in our Judiciary,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo added that although the country had lost an accomplished legal mind, the greatest loss would be felt by the judge's family, particularly his wife and children.
Former Machakos Senator and Parliamentary Service Commission Commissioner Johnson Muthama also expressed his grief, describing Justice Mutava as a longtime family friend.
Muthama said he was deeply saddened by the death of the former judge and extended his condolences to the Mbalu family.
Judicial career
Justice Mutava joined the High Court in August 2011, becoming part of the first group of judges appointed following the constitutional changes introduced after the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
He initially served at the Milimani Commercial Courts, where he became known within Kenya's legal circles.
His time on the Bench, however, later became controversial after allegations concerning his conduct led to a tribunal investigation.
The tribunal recommended his removal from office, a decision that was subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court in 2019. His tenure as a High Court judge therefore came to an end following the legal proceedings.
Despite the controversy surrounding the later years of his judicial career, his death has prompted tributes recognising his contribution to Kenya's legal profession and Judiciary.
Family suffers another loss
Justice Mutava's death comes at a difficult time for the Mbalu family, which suffered another major loss two years ago.
In 2024, the family lost their son, Benedict Musyoka Mbalu, in a road accident in Nairobi.
The death of Benedict had attracted condolences from political leaders and friends of the family, who described him as a young man with a promising future.
The latest loss has once again brought the family into mourning, with messages of support being sent to Jessica Mbalu, their children and other relatives.
Justice Mutava's death is expected to be widely mourned in Makueni County and across Kenya's legal and political circles.
The former judge leaves behind a career that included service in Kenya's Judiciary, while his family now prepares to give him a final farewell.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family as preparations continue.
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