(L-R): Chief Justice Emeritus, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, The Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, Supreme Court of Kenya, Justice Smokin Wanjala, Hon. Lady Justice Abodo, Principal Judge, PS/SJ Dr. Pius Bigirimana
The Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, yesterday evening hosted a dignified farewell dinner at Speke Resort Munyonyo, in honour of Chief Justice Emeritus, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, celebrating his distinguished service and lasting legacy in his public service.
Held at the Sunset Restaurant, the event brought together Justices, Judges, Judicial Officers, Government leaders, regional counterparts, and staff in a warm and reflective atmosphere marked by gratitude, humour, and glowing tributes.
The Chief Justice paid tribute to his predecessor's steady leadership and enduring contribution to institutional reform. In a light-hearted but sincere message, he assured the Chief Justice Emeritus that retirement would not mean disengagement from the Judiciary.
"We are not going to let you rest. We shall keep knocking on your door for advice. Your experience belongs not only to your family, but to the Judiciary and the nation."
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, blended humour with reflection, crediting Justice Owiny - Dollo for strengthening judicial independence, broadening access to justice, modernising court operations, and steering the Judiciary through complex and high-profile matters with integrity and principle. He highlighted expanded infrastructure, digitisation of court processes, and stronger institutional leadership as hallmarks of a transformative tenure.
Chief Justice Emeritus Owiny - Dollo expressed deep gratitude for the honour accorded to him. With characteristic humility, he reflected on his journey from a young student inspired to study law to eventually serving as Chief Justice, acknowledging that the Judiciary's achievements were the result of collective effort. "I am deeply touched. Whatever we achieved was a shared endeavour for the good of our country."
Throughout the evening, speakers drawn from different court levels echoed similar sentiments.
On behalf of the Supreme Court, Lady Justice Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza, Justice of the Supreme Court and the Court's Administrator, described him as a consultative and confident leader who empowered colleagues and fostered teamwork.
The Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Judicial Training Institute and Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Mike Chibita, highlighted his commitment to institutional strengthening through expanded judicial training programmes, acquisition of land for a permanent campus, and the revitalisation of judges' conferences and retreats.
Court of Appeal's Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, who doubles as the Courts Administrator, praised the former Chief Justice's rise from the Court of Appeal and credited his leadership for modernizing registries, introducing virtual hearings and mediation, and advancing digital and ADR reforms across the Judiciary, expressing gratitude for his mentorship and wishing him success ahead.
The Head of Wakiso High Court Circuit, Lady Justice Sarah Langa Siu, who served as Chief Registrar under Chief Justice Dollo, hailed his calm temperament, fairness, and steady stewardship, noting that his leadership nurtured confidence across the Bench and created an environment where judicial officers felt heard, supported, and empowered to serve with integrity.
She commended him for his visionary Transformational Agenda that lay the foundation for expansion of the courts, enhanced Judiciary budget that made the Judiciary a lucrative destination for legal professionals, as some of the hallmarks of his tenure in office.
The Executive Director of the JTI, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, alluding to the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Judiciary's book titled Abundance Mentality, noted that the retired Chief Justice had an "abundance mentality" in leadership that encouraged mentorship, collaboration, and shared success across the institution.
The Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, credited him for unlocking key reforms, enhancing funding, and accelerating the rollout of modern digital systems across the courts.
The Acting Chief Registrar, HW Pamela Lamunu Ocaya, described him as a steadfast advocate for magistrates and registrars, citing improvements in welfare, staffing, and court infrastructure even in remote stations.
To witness the dinner were Justices of the Supreme Court of Kenya; Justice Smokin Wanjala and Justice Isaac Lenaola- underscoring strong regional ties and cooperation among East African judiciaries.
A symbolic signing ceremony followed, where members of the high table and visiting judges appended their signatures to a commemorative artwork that will serve as a lasting tribute.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Justice Cheborion Barishaki, Justice of the Court of Appeal, commended the unity, collegiality, and stability fostered during the Chief Justice Emeritus' tenure, describing the transition as one of the most orderly and gracious in the Judiciary's history.
The evening concluded with a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony, symbolising appreciation for past service and confidence in the Judiciary's continued growth.
The programme was moderated by the Judiciary's Public Relations Officer, HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda.
Posted 3rd, February 2026
