Former High Court Judge Justice Joseph Mbalu Mutava, 75, died at his home in Makindu, Makueni County.
According to family members, Mutava collapsed at their rural home in Kithasyu and was rushed to Makindu Subcounty Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Mutava is said to have attended a burial on Friday in the neighborhood and exhibited no signs of illness. His body was moved to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi.
Several leaders, including Wiper Patriotic Front leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, sent condolence messages. Musyoka mourned the death of Mutava, the husband of Kibwezi East MP Jessica Mbalu.
The former judge is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their children.
In a condolence message, Musyoka described Justice Mutava as a dedicated public servant who served the country with “honour, integrity and quiet distinction.”
Musyoka extended his condolences to Jessica, her children and the wider Mbalu family, saying the late judge had left behind a legacy of service to the Judiciary.
“Justice Mutava served our nation with honour, integrity and quiet distinction. He leaves behind a legacy of service in our Judiciary,” Musyoka said.
The Wiper leader said Justice Mutava would, however, be missed most by his family, particularly as a husband and father.
He said his thoughts and prayers were with Jessica and her children as they come to terms with the loss.
Musyoka also invoked Psalm 34:18, which states that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit, praying that the message would bring strength and comfort to the bereaved family.
“To Hon. Jessica and the entire family: you do not grieve alone. The Wiper Patriotic Front and Kenyans across the country stand with you in this hour of sorrow,” he said.
He concluded his message by praying for the late judge’s soul to rest in eternal peace.
Justice Mutava’s death comes as a major loss to the Mbalu family, with his wife being a prominent Wiper politician and long-serving representative of Kibwezi East in Parliament.
Mutava served as a judge of the High Court before leaving the Judiciary, where he was involved in handling a range of cases during his judicial career.
His death comes as his family mourns the loss of a husband, father and former judicial officer who spent part of his career serving in Kenya’s justice system.
Former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama was also among those who mourned Mutava, describing him as a long-time family friend and expressing sadness following news of his passing.
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