Hon. Lady Justice Cecilia Githua is the High Court judge presiding over the judgment in the high-profile murder case involving former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, who is accused in the 2018 killing of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.
Born in Kiambu County, Justice Githua has served in Kenya’s Judiciary for more than three decades, rising through the ranks from a magistrate to a High Court judge. Throughout her judicial career, she has handled civil, criminal and judicial review matters in several stations across the country.
Lady Justice Cecilia Githua Education and Background
Justice Githua joined the Judicial Service in 1989 as a District Magistrate II (Professional). Over 22 years, Githua served in various courts and rose through the magistracy, eventually becoming a Chief Magistrate.
In 2011, she was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Kenya.
Since her appointment, she has served at several High Court stations, including:
- Milimani High Court (Judicial Review, Civil and Criminal Divisions)
- Kerugoya High Court
- Eldoret High Court
- Kisii High Court
- Murang’a High Court
Justice Cecilia Githua holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Nairobi, awarded in 2006, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the same university, obtained in 1987, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.She was admitted to the Bar in 1988.
Also Read: How Okoth Obado Rose from Classroom Teacher to Powerful Two-Term Migori Governor
Professional Training
During her judicial career, Justice Githua has undertaken several specialized judicial training programmes covering:
- Sentencing for Judges
- Leadership and management for Judges
- East African Community trade-related laws
- Emerging issues in interlocutory injunctions
- Criminal law and procedure
- Commercial and financial law
These programmes have strengthened her expertise in handling complex legal and constitutional matters.
Leadership and Public Service
Beyond her courtroom duties, Justice Cecilia Githua has held several leadership and public service roles.
Also Read: Sharon Otieno: Tragic Story of Rongo University Student Whose 2018 Murder Shocked Kenya
She previously served as Chairperson of the National Committee on Community Service Orders and is the Vice-President of the Kenya Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ).
She has also been a member of the Task Force for the Review of Laws Related to the Exercise of the Power of Mercy under Article 133 of the Constitution and the Power of Mercy Act.
Outside the Judiciary, Cecilia Githua has participated in youth mentorship and career guidance programmes through the IAWJ Kenya Chapter, the Kenya Red Cross Society and Alliance High School.
Away from her judicial responsibilities, Justice Cecilia Githua enjoys reading, swimming, listening to music and dancing.
Besides the Sharon Otieno murder trial, Justice Cecilia Githua has presided over other significant matters.
In March 2023, Lady Justice Cecilia Githua determined the appeal of two men convicted over the 2015 Garissa University terror attack, upholding their convictions for committing a terrorist act while reducing their sentences after overturning separate counts alleging membership in Al-Shabaab due to insufficient evidence.
Githua was also assigned to hear the Nokia tax information dispute in 2021 before recusing herself from the matter.
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I and several Kenyans (both men and women) celebrate her just ruling. WE ARE TIRED OF FEMICIDE IN KENYA!!!!!!!