- Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo left a legacy of reforms at Thika Law Courts, enhancing efficiency and public trust
- Atambo’s initiatives included full digitisation and alternative dispute resolution, improving case management significantly
- In an interview with TUKO.co.ke, detective Jane Mugoh praised Atambo’s humanitarian approach and highlighted some of her impactful cases
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo has been transferred to the Kibra Law Courts, bringing to a close a transformative four-year tenure at the Thika Law Courts.
Source: Facebook
Her leadership has been widely credited with reforms that improved efficiency, strengthened transparency, and boosted public confidence in one of the country’s busiest court stations.
How did Stella Atambo grow Thika Law Courts?
At her farewell dinner held in Thika on December 19, Atambo highlighted the ‘small but consistent strides’ that reshaped the institution during her tenure, which began in October 2021.
Under her leadership, Thika Law Courts saw significant improvements in case management, including full digitisation and proper dating of all civil files, and consistently ranked among the top 10 nationally in case clearance rates.
According to her, the success was driven by teamwork and the introduction of a locally developed ‘service month’ each October, dedicated to clearing dormant and long-pending files.
In addition to efficiency gains, Atambo promoted alternative dispute resolution (ADR), utilising her expertise as a certified mediator.
ADR offers a practical solution to decongest prisons while preserving human dignity.
“From the bench, you realise that nearly half of the cases can be resolved amicably through ADR,” she said, adding that the approach eased congestion in remand facilities, including Thika Remand Prison.
“In my experience, close to 50% of court cases do not require a full trials. If the parties were open to talking to each other, many disputes would not reach the courtroom,” she added.
The farewell dinner was attended by judges, magistrates, politicians, lawyers, police officers, NGOs, and members of the business community.
The organisers described the event as deeply emotional, with colleagues, bodyguards, and even prisoners moved to tears over her departure.
Why was Stella Atambo celebrated?
Detective Jane Mugoh, one of the dinner organisers, said Atambo had initially resisted the idea of a party, but the community insisted on celebrating her impact.
Source: Facebook
“She is the first chief magistrate to make colleagues, bodyguards, community members, and prisoners cry over her transfer. She is a true philanthropist and a mother to all. She did not want the party, but the business community insisted. She did not even know who was attending the farewell,” Mugoh told TUKO.co.ke in an exclusive interview.
Mugoh highlighted Atambo’s humanitarian approach, noting that she regularly visited prisons every three months to review bail terms for petty offenders who could not afford release.
“It is not easy for those in her profession, but she always remembered that civil servants are also parents and should serve humanity well,” Mugoh said.
Her compassion extended to sensitive cases. Mugoh recalled one instance where a stepfather accused of assaulting his daughter was about to be forgiven after pleading for leniency.
Atambo ordered his rearrest, ensuring justice was served and the victim protected.
She also presided over a land dispute that had dragged on for 18 years between two co-wives. While the women sought demolition of the contested house, Atambo ruled that it be sold and the proceeds shared equally, a decision that helped rebuild family ties and end years of conflict.
“She has made decisions that have helped families and the less privileged,” the detective stated.
According to the private spy, the event was also ‘meant to encourage civil servants to always impact lives wherever they are posted and serve with humanity.’
Mugoh also recalled a moment she organised a surprise party for the chief magistrate days before Valentine’s Day.
How was Atambo surprised before Valentine’s Day?
Meanwhile, in 2024, a group of locals, including activists and artists, surprised Atambo with flowers and a special song in recognition of her work.
Atambo admitted she was shocked by the gesture, saying she had simply reported to work and never expected such appreciation.
She noted it was the first time in her career that members of the public had come back to thank a judicial officer in such a manner.
Expressing humility, Atambo said what matters most to her is doing the right thing and being satisfied that she has given her best each day.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
