The law fraternity is mourning the demise of one of the pioneer lawyers to own a law firm in Western Kenya Ely Owinyi, who passed away last week at the aged 67.
Owinyi who was simply put, Kakamega’s lawyer, enjoyed a career spanning four decades. He was a beacon and yardstick for every young student especially the lawyers of the ‘80s and ‘90s, who aspired to emulate him.
Owinyi was basically law, and the law was Owinyi. He is remembered for his influence behind the bar that he has solemnly held since first being admitted in 1979.
Gabriel Mukele Kwoba, who at one time held the position of the vice chairman of the defunct Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) and the first advocate to own a law firm in Western Province, said the late Owinyi was the second student to undertake pupilage at his law firm between 1977 and 1978.
“Among the many pupils that went through my hands, the late Owinyi was the most successful and I am proud of him. He worked as a lawyer for Mumias Sugar Company and many insurance companies. What is most admirable about him is that he gave back a lot of the money he made to society,” said Mukele.
Mukele said Owinyi was brilliant and won majority of the cases that he argued in court to the satisfaction of his clients.
“The legal fraternity is mourning the death of a seasoned lawyer whose work touched many lives. He was like my son since I am the one who mentored him into the profession,” said Mr Mukele.
The late Owinyi is said to have been an exemplary lawyer, visionary and dynamic a leader who loved watching young lawyers presenting serious cases in court and winning them.
Some of the renowned lawyers who worked with the late Owinyi are Justice (RtD) Festus Azangalala and High Court Judge Lady Justice Roselyne Aburili.