DR. WILFRED AKHONYA MUTUBWA OGW LLD, C. ARB, FCIARB

It is with great sorrow and profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Dr. Wilfred Akhonya Mutubwa OGW LLD,C. Arb FCIArb, Chairman Emeritus of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Kenya Branch.

He was the loving husband to Virginia Wanjiru Mutubwa and a father to Noelle Busolo Mutubwa and Nadine Njoki Mutubwa.

He was born on 9th November 1982 to the late Mr. Tom Brown Akhonya and Ms. Diosiana Oliva Mukwilu Ahindukha, retired TSC County Director. Dr. Mutubwa was the youngest of five children.

He was a devoted brother to the late Justus Khainga, the late Bernard Maina, the late Boniface Amboko, and Pauline Akhonya. He was a pillar of love and devotion.

Dr. Wilfred Mutubwa joined the Ciarb Kenya Branch in 2010 as a member having sat the Entry Course in Arbitration and proceeded to become a Fellow in 2015 and later on Chartered Arbitrator, a testament to his consistent pursuit of Excellence.

In 2018. Dr. Mutubwa was elected into the Branch committee while still serving at the steering committee of the Young Members Group.

In 2019 he became the Vice Chairman of the Board and in 2021 the Chairman where he served until May 2023.

He was a tutor and course director at Ciarb both in Kenya and in the UK.

Dr. Mutubwa played a pivotal role in shaping the space of Arbitration & Mediation not only in Kenya but globally.

He was part of the court annexed Mediation pilot program that saw the promotion of Mediation by the Judiciary in Kenya.

He was appointed one of the Kenyan representatives to the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague, Netherlands.

His career in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) was marked by numerous prestigious accolades that highlighted his exceptional contributions and leadership in the field.

He was named Africa Arbitrator of the Year by the African Arbitration Association and, in 2017, recognized by IArb Africa as one of the Top 100 Arbitrators in Africa.

His recognition continued in 2020, when he was listed among the Top 50 Rising Arbitration Personalities in Africa.

In 2021, Business Daily honored him as one of Kenya’s Top 40 Under 40 Personalities, celebrating his influence and accomplishments. By December 2022, he had been named one of the Top 30 Promising Arbitration Practitioners in Africa by the Africa Arbitration Academy and ADR Practitioner of the Year by the Nairobi Law Society Trust.

Remarkably, just three days before his passing, he was named Lawyer of the Year by the NLA Trust.

These accolades reflect a career dedicated to excellence, innovation, and a lasting legacy in arbitration and ADR.

In addition to serving at the Ciarb Kenya Branch, the Late Dr. Mutubwa served in the Judiciary as the Vice Chairperson of the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal, Dean of the Mount Kenya University School of Law and the Founding Partner of Dr. Mutubwa Law.

He was a mentor to many and a staunch believer in the transformative power of ADR.

His vision of Nairobi as a hub for arbitration in Africa continues to inspire professionals in the field.

Beyond his professional achievements, he was deeply committed to uplifting young Practitioners and creating equitable opportunities in the Legal profession.

He was a visionary leader, a legal scholar, advocate for justice,

and a champion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Dr. Mutubwa has left behind a legacy of excellence, mentorship, and commitment to transforming Kenya’s justice system.

He is survived by his loving family, friends, and a wide circle of colleagues who will cherish his memory.

There will be a Requiem Mass at the Consolata Shrine in Westlands on Thursday 5th December 2024 at 9.00 am with the funeral Service following on Saturday 7th December 2024 at Handidi School in Kakamega.

He will later be laid to rest in his family estate.

Dr. Mutubwa’s legacy of integrity, innovation, and dedication to justice will remain etched in the hearts of those he touched.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

“If you want to live life, do it now. You are not in control of your destiny, so just do it now”- Dr. Wilfred Mutubwa 14 January 2024