Former Judge Joseph Mutava Dies Suddenly While Being Rushed to Hospital

Former High Court Judge Joseph Mbalu Mutava has died after falling ill on Friday night while being taken to hospital in Makueni County.

Mutava, who was married to Kibwezi East MP Jessica Nduku Mbalu, fell ill after attending a burial ceremony earlier on Friday. Family sources said he was being rushed to Makindu Hospital but died before reaching the facility. His body was later transferred to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi as the family began making funeral arrangements.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka was among those who paid tribute to Mutava on Saturday. He described the former judge as a man who served the country with integrity during his time in the Judiciary. Musyoka conveyed his condolences to Jessica, their children and the wider Mbalu family, saying Mutava’s absence would be felt most deeply by those closest to him.

“Justice Mutava served our nation with honour, integrity and quiet distinction. He leaves behind a legacy of service in our Judiciary. But it is at home that Mutava will be missed most; as a husband and as a father,” Musyoka said.

He also quoted Psalm 34:18 in his message of condolence: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama, a long-time family friend, also mourned Mutava and recalled his close ties with the family. He expressed sadness over the suddenness of his death. 

Mutava was appointed to the High Court in August 2011 after a competitive recruitment process conducted by the Judicial Service Commission. He presided over several high-profile cases during his time on the bench.

His judicial career, however, was later overshadowed by the Goldenberg scandal case involving businessman Kamlesh Pattni. His handling of the case led to a tribunal investigation into his conduct.

In September 2016, a tribunal chaired by then Chief Justice David Maraga found Mutava guilty of gross misconduct and recommended his removal from office. Mutava challenged the decision, but the Supreme Court upheld the tribunal’s findings in March 2019, bringing his judicial career to an end.