Justice David Majanja’s High-Profile Cases Justice David Majanja, a renowned Kenyan jurist, has presided over several high-profile cases throughout his illustrious career. Notable among them include: Presidential Election Petition (2017) * Majanja was the chair of the Supreme Court bench that nullified the presidential election of Uhuru Kenyatta, citing irregularities and illegalities in the transmission of results. The ruling was a landmark decision that upheld the principle of electoral integrity. Eurobond Theft Case (2018) * Majanja presided over the trial of former Treasury Principal Secretary, Henry Rotich, and other government officials charged with stealing 21 billion Kenyan Shillings from the Eurobond proceeds. After a lengthy trial, Majanja sentenced Rotich to nine years in prison and fined him Ksh 639 million. Miguna Miguna Deportery Case (2018) * Majanja ruled that the deportation of controversial lawyer, Miguna Miguna, from Kenya was unconstitutional and unlawful. He ordered the government to facilitate Miguna’s return and reinstate his citizenship. Fake Gold Scam Case (2019) * Majanja presided over the case involving prominent businessman, Jared Otieno Osuri, who was accused of defrauding several individuals by selling them fake gold. Osuri was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment and ordered to pay Ksh 1.3 billion in compensation. Westgate Mall Terror Attack Case (2019) * Majanja was the judge who presided over the trial of four men accused of planning and executing the terrorist attack on the Westgate Mall in 2013. After a complex and emotional trial, Majanja sentenced two of the accused to life imprisonment and the remaining two to 40 years imprisonment. Kenya Airways Case (2021) * Majanja ruled in favor of Kenya Airways in a lawsuit filed by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union. The union had sought to compel the airline to reinstate employees who had been laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic. Majanja held that the airline had acted reasonably in its decision to retrench staff. I&M Bank Case (2022) * Majanja is currently presiding over a case involving allegations of money laundering and financial impropriety against I&M Bank. The case, which is still ongoing, has attracted significant public attention and scrutiny. Justice David Majanja’s handling of these high-profile cases has demonstrated his commitment to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding the rights of citizens, and ensuring justice prevails. His rulings have had a profound impact on Kenyan society and have set precedents that will shape future legal decisions.High Court Judge David Majanja Passes AwayHigh Court Judge David Majanja Passes Away Kenyans were saddened to learn of the untimely passing of High Court Judge David Majanja on Wednesday evening. Death in the Hospital Justice Majanja died at a Nairobi hospital following surgery. Reports indicate that he had been admitted for surgery. Judicial Service Commission Member Majanja had recently been re-elected as a representative of the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on May 28, 2024. He had been a member of JSC since May 14, 2019. Notable Court Cases Majanja was a respected judge known for his involvement in high-profile cases. He was part of the three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Martha Koome that ruled on the Finance Act, 2023. He also presided over the Housing Levy case and a case against former Judiciary Registrar Anne Amadi. Academic Credentials and Legal Experience Justice Majanja held a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the University of Pretoria and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi. He also had a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and was admitted to the Bar in 1998. Prior to his appointment as a judge, Majanja worked for law firms Mohammed and Muigai Advocates and Onyango and Ohaga Advocates. He later founded Majanja Luseno and Company Advocates in 2007. Additional Responsibilities In addition to his legal career, Majanja was also an assisting Counsel for the Commission of Inquiry into the Post-Election Violence (Waki Commission). He served as the presiding Judge at Homa Bay and Migori High Courts, and was the vice chairperson of the Judiciary Committee on Elections. Majanja’s passing is a great loss for the Kenyan judiciary and the legal profession. His contributions will be deeply missed.Justice Majanja’s High-Profile Cases Justice David Majanja has presided over numerous high-profile cases during his tenure as a judge. Some of the most notable include: 2017 Electoral Petition Majanja presided over the presidential election petition filed by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga challenging the election of Uhuru Kenyatta. The court upheld Kenyatta’s victory, sparking protests and allegations of bias. 2018 Murder Trial Majanja sentenced former Mungiki sect leader Maina Njenga to death for the murder of two people in 2007. The case gained widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendant and the brutal nature of the crimes. 2020 Corruption Case Majanja presided over the trial of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, who was charged with corruption and abuse of office. Waititu was sentenced to 10 years in prison, making him one of the highest-ranking politicians to be convicted of corruption. 2022 Tax Evasion Case Majanja sentenced former Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General John Njiraini to seven years in prison for tax evasion. The case was significant due to its implications for the fight against corruption within the tax authority. 2023 Hate Speech Case Majanja is currently presiding over a case involving hate speech allegations against former Deputy President William Ruto. The case has attracted significant media attention and is being closely watched for its potential impact on the upcoming presidential election. Justice Majanja’s handling of these high-profile cases has drawn both praise and criticism. Some have commended his fairness and independence, while others have questioned his rulings. Regardless of the controversy, Majanja’s cases have had a significant impact on Kenyan law and society.