Justice Muchelule has handled several high-profile cases, such as the Sh6 billion cocaine trial and Goldenberg-related cases. His contributions extend beyond courtroom duties, as he has been involved in judicial reforms, serving in committees such as the Judicial Reform and Development Committee and as a member of the Judicial Service Commission. Additionally, he has been part of professional bodies like the East Africa Magistrates and Judges Association.
Despite facing challenges, including accusations of corruption and delayed promotions under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, Justice Muchelule was eventually appointed to the Court of Appeal by President William Ruto in 2022. He also chaired a tribunal investigating issues in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Justice Aggrey Muchelule recently married the love of his life Judy Kerich in Kesses, Uasin Gishu in a glamorous traditional wedding. A milestone that was publicly celebrated. However, detailed information about his spouse or the wedding itself has not been widely disclosed. The judge’s personal life became more prominent when he lost his wife, Keziah Habwe, in early March 2022. She was a prominent figure in her own right, serving in leadership roles and contributing significantly to her community.
While Justice Muchelule is known for his judicial contributions, particularly in high-profile cases, it is clear that his family life is also a cornerstone of his life story.
Highlight Of Justice Aggrey Muchelule Traditional Marriage
The traditional marriage ceremony of Justice Aggrey Muchelule to Judy Kerich in Kesses, Uasin Gishu was a luxurious affair which brought together leaders from all the arms of government who came to celebrate love.The event featured cultural display and entertainment.
Bio Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aggrey Otsyula Muchelule |
| Birthplace | Mukumu Village, Kakamega County, Kenya |
| Education | – Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), University of Nairobi |
| – Postgraduate Diploma in Law, Kenya School of Law | |
| Year of Joining Judiciary | 1982 |
| Early Roles | District Magistrate, later Chief Magistrate |
| Current Position | Judge, Court of Appeal (appointed in 2022) |
| Past Positions | – Judge, High Court |
| – Presiding Judge, Family Division, Milimani Law Courts | |
| – Member, Judicial Service Commission | |
| Notable Cases | – Oversaw high-profile corruption and drug-related cases, including Goldenberg and Sh6B cocaine cases |
| Tribunals Chaired | IEBC Tribunal (addressing disputes within Kenya’s electoral body) |
| Challenges | Faced accusations of corruption but was cleared by lack of evidence |
| Personal Life | Recently remarried following the passing of his first wife, Keziah Habwe, in 2022 |
Early Life
- Place of Birth: Mukumu Village, Kakamega County, Kenya.
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B) from the University of Nairobi.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
- Year Started Legal Career: 1982, as a District Magistrate.
- Judicial Growth: Progressed from Magistrate to Chief Magistrate and eventually to a Judge of the High Court.
- Family Background: Justice Muchelule hails from a family rooted in Kakamega, reflecting strong ties to his rural upbringing
Age
Justice Aggrey Muchelule’s exact date of birth is not publicly documented, but sources estimate his age to be approximately 43 years as of 2023.
Educational Background
| Level of Education | Institution | Qualification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | University of Nairobi | Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) | Completed foundational legal studies. |
| Postgraduate | Kenya School of Law | Postgraduate Diploma in Law | Qualified for admission to the bar. |
This educational foundation enabled him to embark on his legal career as a District Magistrate in 1982 and ascend to higher judicial roles.
Major Cases
Justice Aggrey Muchelule has presided over several significant cases during his judicial career. Here are some of the major cases:
| Case Name/Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Goldenberg Scandal-Related Cases | He presided over hearings linked to Kenya’s infamous Goldenberg scandal involving massive economic fraud |
| Sh6 Billion Cocaine Case | Handled this high-profile case involving one of the largest drug hauls in Kenya’s history |
| IEBC Tribunal | Chaired the tribunal investigating disputes within Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) |
| Marriage Dissolution Case | Made a landmark ruling dissolving a marriage due to irreconcilable differences, emphasizing marriage as a voluntary contract |
Justice Muchelule has also made impactful rulings in family and criminal law, showcasing his judicial expertise and commitment to justice.
Career Path
| Year | Position | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | District Magistrate | Began his legal career as a district magistrate, gaining experience in Kenya’s judiciary system |
| Later Years | Chief Magistrate | Promoted to Chief Magistrate, handling higher judicial responsibilities and complex cases. |
| 2003 | High Court Judge | Appointed as a High Court judge, presiding over courts in Kisumu, Kisii, Embu, and Nairobi |
| Presiding Judge | Family Division, Milimani Law Courts | Managed high-profile family and civil cases, showcasing expertise in family law and justice |
| Judicial Service Commission | Member | Played a role in judicial reforms and policy-making in Kenya. |
| 2022 | Judge, Court of Appeal | Appointed by President William Ruto to the Court of Appeal, one of Kenya’s highest judicial roles |
| Other Roles | Tribunal Chair | Chaired the IEBC tribunal, investigating disputes in Kenya’s electoral commission |
Notable Controversy
- Corruption Allegations (2021):
Accused of involvement in bribery and corruption during his tenure as a judge, but investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) found insufficient evidence to prosecute him - Judicial Promotions Delay:
His promotion to the Court of Appeal was delayed during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure, allegedly due to political interference and unsubstantiated accusations - Tribunal Oversight:
His role as the chair of the IEBC tribunal received mixed reactions, with some questioning the impartiality of such investigations amidst Kenya’s politically charged environment
Despite these controversies, Justice Muchelule has maintained his judicial duties with integrity and was eventually appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2022, reflecting trust in his legal expertise.
Epilogue
Justice Aggrey Muchelule is a distinguished Kenyan jurist with decades of experience in the legal profession. Rising from humble beginnings as a District Magistrate in 1982, he steadily advanced through the judicial ranks, earning a reputation for diligence and fairness. Over the years, he has served in various capacities, including as a High Court judge and as the presiding judge at the Family Division of the Milimani High Court.
In 2022, he was appointed to the Court of Appeal and subsequently took on high-profile assignments, including leading a tribunal to investigate allegations against electoral commissioners. His contributions extend beyond the courtroom, as he has participated in judicial reforms and served on multiple legal committees.
In November 2024, Justice Muchelule achieved further recognition when he was unanimously elected as the Principal Judge of the COMESA Court of Justice, reflecting his regional influence and legal acumen. His career exemplifies commitment to justice and service, marked by key rulings and efforts to strengthen judicial integrity in Kenya and beyond.
