Willy Mutunga: Age, Tribe, Biography, Net Worth, Career & More

Before he became Kenya’s longest-serving Chief Justice, Willy Mutunga was a fierce advocate for human rights and justice during some of the country’s most turbulent times. His journey—from a young student challenging the status quo to leading the judiciary through transformative reforms—speaks to a lifetime dedicated to fairness, courage, and change.

In this article, we’ll explore the key moments of his life, his career milestones, and the legacy that continues to influence Kenya’s legal landscape.

Quick Facts About Willy Mutunga

• Full Name: Willy Munyoki Mutunga
• Date of Birth: June 16, 1947
• Age: 77
• Place of Birth: Kitui District, Kenya
• Nationality: Kenyan
• Profession: Lawyer, Jurist, Human Rights Activist
• Notable Roles: 13th Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya (2011–2016)

Willy Mutunga Age

Willy Munyoki Mutunga is 77 years old. He was born on June 16, 1947, in Kilonzo, Kitui District, Kenya Colony.

Willy Mutunga Tribe

Willy Munyoki Mutunga is of Kamba (Akamba) ethnicity.

Willy Mutunga Biography

Willy Mutunga was born on June 16, 1946, in Kilonzo, Kitui District, into a humble Kamba family. Growing up as the second of eight children, he experienced the challenges of rural life early on, which shaped his deep sense of justice and community. Mutunga’s upbringing in a modest household instilled values of resilience and empathy, fueling his lifelong commitment to social activism and human rights.

Before his rise to prominence, he was deeply involved in advocating for democracy and freedom during Kenya’s politically turbulent years, often facing exile and personal sacrifice.

Education

Willy Mutunga's academic journey is marked by distinguished institutions:

• University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) in 1971 and Master of Laws (LL.M) in 1974.
• Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Canada: Doctorate in Jurisprudence (D.Jur) in 1992.

Legal and Judicial Career

Mutunga's legal career spans academia, activism, and judiciary leadership:

• University of Nairobi: Joined as a law lecturer in 1974, becoming the first indigenous Kenyan to teach constitutional law at the university level.
• Law Society of Kenya (LSK): Served as Vice-Chairman (1991–1993) and Chairman (1993–1995).
• Chief Justice of Kenya: Appointed on June 22, 2011, Mutunga was the first Chief Justice under Kenya's 2010 Constitution. His tenure focused on judicial reforms, reducing case backlogs, and enhancing access to justice. He retired on June 16, 2016.

Activism and Civil Society Engagement

A staunch advocate for human rights and democracy:

• Detention and Exile: Detained in 1982 for alleged sedition; later went into exile in Canada, where he co-founded the Kenya Human Rights Commission.
• Civil Society Organizations: Instrumental in establishing entities like Kituo Cha Sheria and the Citizens Coalition for Constitutional Change (4Cs).
• Ford Foundation: Joined in 2004 as a human rights program officer; became executive director for Eastern Africa in 2009.

Publications and Thought Leadership

Mutunga has contributed extensively to legal scholarship:

• Books: Authored "The Rights of Arrested and Accused Persons" (1990) and "Constitution-Making from the Middle" (1999).
• Columns: Wrote under the pseudonym "Cabral Pinto" in the Sunday Nation newspaper between 2004 and 2011.
• Academic Roles: Served as a distinguished scholar-in-residence at Fordham Law's Leitner Center and as an adjunct professor at Kabarak University School of Law.

International Engagements

Beyond Kenya, Mutunga has played roles on the global stage:

• Commonwealth Special Envoy: Appointed to the Maldives in 2016.
• Constitution Review Advisor: Advised The Gambia's Constitution Review Commission in 2019.
• Afrobarometer: Serves on the International Advisory Council.

Honors and Recognitions

Mutunga's contributions have been acknowledged through various awards:

• Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH): Awarded in 2012 for distinguished service to the nation.
• Senior Counsel: Appointed by the Government of Kenya in 2003.
• Jurist of the Year: Recognized by the International Commission of Jurists, Kenya Section, in 2003.

Willy Mutunga Wife

Willy Mutunga, Kenya's former Chief Justice, has been married twice. He has two children from his first marriage, one child from his second marriage to Professor Beverle Michele Lax, and two additional children from different women during periods when he was not married.

His second marriage to Professor Lax, which began in 2000, ended in divorce in 2010. The divorce proceedings were marked by allegations from both parties, including claims of cruelty and emotional distress. The High Court annulled the marriage on grounds of cruelty, dismissing Lax's counterclaims.

In his personal life, Mutunga has been open about his experiences and relationships, often sharing insights into his journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Controversies

Willy Mutunga, former Chief Justice of Kenya, has been a prominent figure in the country's legal and political landscape. Throughout his career, he has been involved in several controversies that have sparked public debate.

1. Appointment as Chief Justice

Mutunga's appointment in 2011 was met with resistance from certain quarters. Critics questioned his lack of judicial experience and expressed concerns over his progressive views. Additionally, his personal life, including his divorce and spiritual beliefs, became subjects of public scrutiny during this period.

2. Divorce Proceedings

In 2010, Mutunga filed for divorce from his second wife, Professor Beverle Michele Lax, citing cruelty. The High Court annulled the marriage, dismissing counterclaims of cruelty made by Lax. The proceedings attracted media attention and public discussion.

3. Threats During the 2013 Election

During the 2013 presidential election, Mutunga received threats after the Supreme Court upheld President Uhuru Kenyatta's victory. He reported receiving a "poison-pen letter" from an outlawed group, highlighting the challenges faced by the judiciary in politically sensitive cases.

4. Criticism of the Maldives Appointment

Following his retirement, Mutunga was appointed as the Commonwealth Special Envoy to the Maldives. His tweet describing the country's presidential motorcade as consisting of "TWO vehicles" drew criticism, especially given the political climate in the Maldives at the time. Critics felt his comment was out of touch with the prevailing issues in the country.

5. Defamation Suit Against Media

Mutunga filed a defamation suit against The Standard Group, alleging that a publication misrepresented his actions during his divorce proceedings. He claimed the article suggested he had disobeyed court orders and subverted the Constitution, causing him distress and embarrassment.

These controversies have contributed to the complex legacy of Willy Mutunga, reflecting the challenges faced by public figures in balancing personal lives with professional responsibilities.

Willy Mutunga Net Worth

Willy Mutunga, former Chief Justice of Kenya, publicly declared his wealth in 2016, revealing a net worth exceeding KSh 80 million. His assets included two properties in Nairobi valued at KSh 12.5 million and KSh 19.1 million, respectively, an ancestral land in Kitui worth KSh 2 million, and a saloon car valued at KSh 750,000.

Additionally, he disclosed bank balances totaling approximately KSh 415,000 and USD 34,500. Between 2012 and 2015, Mutunga earned a net salary of KSh 50 million, with additional income from the Judicial Service Commission and his law firm, Mutunga & Company Advocates.

Conclusion

Willy Mutunga’s life is a tapestry woven with activism, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of justice. From challenging autocracy in Kenya’s darkest political moments to becoming the face of judicial reform, his journey has been as bold as it is inspiring.

While his personal life has occasionally stirred public debate, his impact on Kenya’s legal and democratic space is undeniable. Mutunga didn’t just interpret the law—he redefined its role in society. And whether admired or critiqued, his name remains etched in Kenya’s history as a transformative figure who dared to speak truth to power.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Willy Mutunga?

Willy Mutunga is a Kenyan lawyer, activist, and former Chief Justice of Kenya. He was the first Chief Justice appointed under the 2010 Constitution and is known for spearheading major judicial reforms and advocating for democracy and human rights.

How old is Willy Mutunga?

Willy Mutunga was born on June 16, 1947. He is 77 years old.

What tribe is Willy Mutunga?

Willy Mutunga belongs to the Kamba (Akamba) ethnic group from Kenya’s Eastern region.

What is Willy Mutunga’s educational background?

He studied law at the University of Dar es Salaam and later earned a Doctorate in Jurisprudence from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University in Canada.

How many times has Willy Mutunga been married?

Mutunga has been married twice and has children from both marriages and other relationships.

What did Willy Mutunga do after retiring as Chief Justice?

After retirement in 2016, Mutunga served as the Commonwealth Special Envoy to the Maldives and held academic roles, including being a scholar-in-residence at Fordham Law School.

What were Willy Mutunga’s achievements as Chief Justice?

He led transformative judicial reforms, promoted transparency in the judiciary, and presided over high-profile cases like the 2013 presidential election petition.

Has Willy Mutunga been involved in any controversies?

Yes, his appointment was controversial due to his progressive views and personal life. He also faced criticism during his time in office and post-retirement remarks.

What is Willy Mutunga’s net worth?

As of his 2016 wealth declaration, Mutunga was worth over KSh 80 million, including properties in Nairobi and Kitui, bank savings, and a vehicle.