September 19, 2026
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Former Prominent Judge, MPs Husband Dies After Short Illness

Former High Court Judge Justice Joseph Mbalu Mutava has died after suddenly falling ill.

He was being rushed to Makindu Hospital in Makueni County when he died, according to close family sources.

Mutava, who previously served as a High Court judge, was the husband of Kibwezi East MP Jessica Nduku Mbalu.

His death was confirmed by the spouse and former Machakos Senator and Parliamentary Service Commission Commissioner Johnson Muthama, who described Mutava as a long-time family friend.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my long-time family friend, Former High Court Judge Justice Joseph Mbalu Mutava, husband to Kibwezi East MP Hon. Jessica Nduku Mbalu,” Muthama said.

Mutava is said to have attended a burial ceremony earlier on Friday and was reportedly in good health before he suddenly fell ill later that night.

His body was later transferred to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi as the family began making arrangements for his final rites.

Mutava was appointed a Judge of the High Court on August 23, 2011, following a competitive recruitment process recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

He was later removed from office following a tribunal investigation into allegations of gross misconduct linked to his handling of the Ksh5.8 billion Goldenberg scandal case involving businessman Kamlesh Pattni.

The tribunal, chaired by then Chief Justice David Maraga, found Mutava guilty of gross misconduct on six allegations in September 2016 and recommended his removal from office.

Mutava challenged the decision, but the Supreme Court in March 2019 upheld the tribunal’s decision, clearing the way for his removal from the High Court bench.

His death marks the end of the life of a prominent legal practitioner whose tenure on the High Court bench was among the shortest in Kenya’s judicial history.

Former Prominent Judge, MPs Husband Dies After Short Illness

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