Retired Chief Justice Evans Gicheru dies aged 79

The sudden demise of the ex-Judiciary President was made public by Chief Justice David Maraga who said that Gicheru will be remembered for his role in enriching Judicial independence in Kenya.

The cause of his death is yet to be revealed

“I am deeply sudden to announce the demise of retired Chief Justice Evans Gicheru which occurred this morning.

Justice Gicheru has a lengthy career in the public service which when he was appointed District officer in Wajir. He later worked as a senior State Counsel in the office of the Attorney General and as an administrative officer in the office of the President, before joining the Judiciary as a Judge of the High Court in 1982" reads part of David Maraga's statement.

Maraga eulogized Gicheru as a steadfast public servant, a selfless professional and humble human being.

“Kenya and Judiciary family have lost a steadfast public servant, a selfless professional and humble human being.

On behalf of the Judiciary, the Judicial Service Commission and on my behalf, I wish to express out heartfelt condolences to his family for this painful loss. May the almighty God grant thrm courage and fortitude to bear the tragedy” added Chief Justice David Maraga.

Gicheru was appointed CJ by retired president Mwai Kibaki upon his election in 2003.

He served as the 12th chief justice of the Republic of Kenya and had the longest term by any African CJ in Kenya's history, from 2003 before retiring in 2011.