The Judiciary fraternity is mourning the death of Justice Fredrick Ochieng’ Andago, a distinguished jurist who served in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

Justice Ochieng’, who until his passing was serving as a Judge of the Court of Appeal at the Nakuru Law Courts, is remembered as a committed, fair-minded, and reform-driven judicial officer.

He devoted his career to strengthening access to justice and championing alternative dispute resolution in Kenya.

Born in Kenya, Justice Ochieng’ pursued his Bachelor of Laws Degree at the University of Nairobi before proceeding to the Kenya School of Law, where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Law. 

He was admitted to the Roll of Advocates in 1983 and embarked on a legal career that spanned over two decades before joining the Bench.

He began as a Legal Assistant at Kaplan & Stratton in 1982, later becoming a Partner at the firm in 1987. 

In 2003, his career took a historic turn when he was appointed as a Judge of the High Court. Over the years, he presided over key divisions and stations, including the Commercial and Tax Division in Nairobi, as well as High Court stations in Kitale, Kakamega, and Kisumu.

Justice Ochieng’ also served as the Presiding Judge of Kisumu High Court before his elevation to the Court of Appeal. 

Beyond the courtroom, he was a Certified Mediator and a pioneer in the rollout of Court Annexed Mediation in Kenya. 

He chaired the Judiciary’s ADR Taskforce and played a central role in the 2016 launch of the Court Annexed Mediation Pilot Project, which has since become a national model.

His leadership extended to the regional level, where he was elected President of the East African Magistrates and Judges Association (EAMJA) and President of the Kenya Judges and Magistrates Association (KMJA).

His contribution to judicial reforms, particularly in enhancing efficiency and embracing mediation, leaves a lasting legacy.

Funeral and memorial arrangements will be communicated by the family and the Judiciary in due course.