Former High Court judge Joseph Mutava Mbalu dies

Former High Court Judge Justice Joseph Mbalu Mutava, aged 75, passed away at his residence in Makindu, Makueni County. Family members reported that Mutava experienced a collapse at their rural home in Kithasyu and was immediately transported to Makindu Subcounty Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Earlier that day, Mutava had attended a burial in the neighborhood without displaying any signs of illness.

His remains were subsequently transferred to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi for final arrangements. Several dignitaries, including Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family. Musyoka mourned the loss of a distinguished public servant who served the nation with "honour, integrity and quiet distinction."

The former judge is survived by his wife, Jessica Mbalu, a prominent Wiper politician and Kibwezi East MP, as well as their children. Musyoka expressed his thoughts and prayers with Jessica and her children during this difficult time, invoking Psalm 34:18, which reassures that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

He prayed for the family to find comfort in the message and hoped that the late judge's soul would find eternal peace. Justice Mutava's death is a significant loss to the Mbalu family, as his wife's political career and his own judicial career were intertwined. Former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama, a close friend, also mourned the passing of the respected former judge, describing him as a long-time family friend.