Former High Court Judge Joseph Mbalu Mutava Dies, Family Confirms

Former High Court Judge Justice Joseph Mbalu Mutava has died after suddenly falling ill in Makueni County.

Mutava, who is the husband of Kibwezi East Member of Parliament Jessica Nduku Mbalu, died on Thursday, August 21, 2026, while being rushed to Makindu Hospital for emergency treatment, according to close family sources.

His wife and former Machakos Senator and Parliamentary Service Commissioner Johnson Muthama confirmed the death, describing Mutava as a long-time family friend and a respected legal mind.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my long-time family friend, Former High Court Judge Justice Joseph Mbalu Mutava, husband to Kibwezi East MP Hon. Jessica Nduku Mbalu,” Muthama said in a statement.

Reports indicate that the former judge had attended a burial ceremony earlier on Friday and appeared to be in good health before he developed complications later in the evening.

His body has since been transferred to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi as the family begins funeral arrangements.

Justice Mutava was appointed as a Judge of the High Court on August 23, 2011, after a competitive recruitment process by the Judicial Service Commission.

His tenure on the bench, however, turned out to be one of the shortest in Kenya’s judicial history after he was embroiled in a misconduct case linked to the handling of the infamous Ksh5.8 billion Goldenberg scandal involving businessman Kamlesh Pattni.

A tribunal chaired by then Court of Appeal Judge David Maraga investigated the allegations and in September 2016 found him guilty of gross misconduct on six counts, recommending his removal from office.

Mutava challenged the tribunal’s findings, but in March 2019, the Supreme Court upheld the decision, paving the way for his dismissal from the High Court.

Despite the controversies that cut short his judicial career, Mutava remained a prominent figure in the legal fraternity and in Makueni County, where his family has been active in public life.

He is survived by his wife, Kibwezi East MP Jessica Nduku Mbalu, and their children.

Leaders from across Ukambani and the legal fraternity are expected to pay tribute in the coming days as funeral plans are finalized.