Chief Justice Martha Koome on Tuesday announced the death of Benard Kipyegon Rugut, a Principal Magistrate at the Molo Law Courts in Nakuru County.
While mourning Judge Rugut, CJ Koome sent her condolences to the principal magistrate’s family including his children and the deceased's wife Purity Koskey who is also a Judge at the Kabarnet Law Courts.
Rugut's distinguished career as a principal magistrate began on July 13, 2012, when he was appointed as a Resident Magistrate and posted to Bondo Law Courts. The deceased would later rise through the ranks to become a principal magistrate.
CJ Martha Koome in a brief statement disclosed that due to Rugut’s dedication and hard work, he was appointed to serve as a principal magistrate in different stations across the country including Ndhiwa and Kericho Law Courts.
Rugut consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the principles of justice until May 2023 when he was appointed as the Principal Magistrate of the Molo Law Courts. He would later pass away after serving at the station for about one and a half years.
According to CJ Koome, throughout his career, Rugut exemplified the virtues of diligence, fairness, and professionalism in all his judicial duties. His passing is not only a significant loss to his family but also to the Judiciary and the communities he faithfully served.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones as we mourn the loss of a dedicated judicial officer whose legacy of service will continue to inspire us all. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Martha Koome mourned Rugut.
However, the cause of the principal magistrate's death still remains unclear. The Judiciary is expected to release burial plans in the coming days.
The latest reports come barely two days after another judge died after a long battle with illness. Judge Zena Atetwe Rashid passed away on Sunday, October 20 due to an undisclosed illness.
Martha Koome while morning the Milimani Law Courts judge, commended her for her firm commitment to the cause of justice and the rule of law and her diligent work in keeping with the values of the Constitution.
"On my own behalf and that of the Judiciary fraternity, I extend heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and loved ones. We pray that the Almighty God graces us with the fortitude to brave this difficult period and rest her soul in eternal peace," Koome mourned Rashid.
Prior to her death, Rashid was a board member of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. The National Council for Persons with Disabilities is a state corporation established by an Act of Parliament to oversee welfare management of Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs).
