The impeachment trial against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which entered its second and final day in the Senate on Thursday, October 17, saw the name of lawyer Elisha Ongoya make headlines.
Advocate Ongoya Zebedee Elisha is among a team of 14 lawyers selected by DP Gachagua to challenge his ouster. The legal team also comprises of Senior Counsel Paul Muite, Victor Swanya Ogeto, Andrew Muge, George Sakimpa, and lawyers Ndegwa Njiru, George Wandati and Faith Waigwa.
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Ongoya has become a household name in Kenya, for his commanding courtroom presence, with his recent role in the Senate trial on Wednesday thrusting him further into the national spotlight.
This is particularly for his tough cross-examination of Kibwezi West Member of Parliament (MP) Mwengi Mutuse, the architect of the impeachment motion during the first day of the trial.
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However, Ongoya’s legal acumen stretches far beyond this high-profile case, with a career built on defending top politicians.
Born on April 15, 1975, Ongoya’s journey into law began at the University of Nairobi, where he earned his law degree.
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Profile of Elisha Ongoya
He then furthered his studies at the Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI) in Israel, where he studied Management of Higher Learning.
These experiences laid a solid foundation for his career in law and academia. His early education saw him excel at St. Paul’s Ikahlika Primary School and Musingu High School in Western Kenya.
Ongoya also holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) from UoN and is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
Also Read: Senators Rallying Behind Gachagua Amid Ongoing Impeachment
His career has been marked by exceptional legal advocacy and dedication to nurturing future legal professionals as a Senior lecturer at Kabarak University.
Ongoya’s career began with his admission as an advocate and has seen his legal skills and expertise bring him widespread recognition.
His courtroom skills are often described as sharp, meticulous, and commanding, traits that have made him a sought-after legal counsel.
Today, he continues to shape Kenya’s legal field through his work at Ongoya & Wambola Advocates, where he is a key partner handling high-profile case.
Past impeachment cases
Ongoya’s legal career has notably been marked by defending key political figures in critical moments.
Apart from his current work representing Gachagua, the Senior lecturer featured in Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s impeachment trial.
Also Read: Profiles of 14 Lawyers Who Will Defend Gachagua in Senate
One of his most notable achievements was his pivotal role in halting the controversial Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
Ongoya’s legal team successfully argued against the initiative in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal, where it was ruled unconstitutional.
On the other hand, the lawyer is also highly regarded for his scholarly contributions, including publishing several legal papers and articles.
DP Gachagua impeachment trial at Senate
Ongoya was on Wednesday evening involved in a showdown that unfolded in the Senate during the impeachment trial of DP Gachagua following a day of submissions from various parties.
Advocate Ongoya challenged Mutuse to substantiate the claims in his motion, alleging that the DP had amassed a Ksh.5.2 billion fortune since taking office as the country’s second-in-command.
Ongoya expressed disbelief at the figure, listed as one of the 11 grounds for Gachagua’s impeachment, and pressed Mutuse for clarifications.
He demanded that the MP, who is also a lawyer, explains how he and his team arrived at the Ksh.5.2 billion valuation.
However, Mutuse fumbled despite multiple attempts to evade the question, eventually admitted that the figure was derived by estimating current land values and adding the worth of properties linked to Gachagua.
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