A champion of justice, conservation, and community empowerment — Hon. Justice Antony Oteng'o Ombwayo has dedicated his life to upholding the law while preserving Kenya's natural and cultural treasures.
Early Life and Background
Born in Kakamega County, Justice Antony Oteng'o Ombwayo hails from the Luhya community. While specific details about his childhood and family remain private, his roots in Western Kenya shaped his commitment to public service and environmental stewardship. He pursued legal education, building a foundation for a distinguished career in the judiciary.
Legal Career and Judicial Appointments
With over 26 years in the legal profession, Justice Ombwayo was appointed as an Environment and Land Court (ELC) Judge in 2012. He has served in multiple stations, including:
- Nakuru ELC (current station)
- Kisumu ELC
- Nyeri ELC
- Eldoret High Court
He holds the position of Judge at the Environment and Land Court, specializing in land disputes, environmental cases, and related matters. His email for official correspondence is aombwayo@court.go.ke.
Notable Judgments and Contributions
Justice Ombwayo has presided over numerous high-profile cases, demonstrating his commitment to fair justice:
- In 2023, he visited the Kibos Nubian community in Kisumu to inspect a demolition site in a case involving forced evictions.
- Ruled in favor of squatters in a 25,000-acre land dispute in Eldoret (2017), directing the Too family to retain only 67.5 acres.
- Revoked a decision awarding land to a Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kisumu (2020), citing irregular acquisition.
- Issued a permanent injunction barring a US-based son from his parents' compound in Nakuru (2024).
- Ordered a woman to refund Sh19.8 million to a Catholic church in a land fraud case, plus damages (2024).
- Participated in tree-planting initiatives at Nakuru Main Prison (2023) and raised awareness on environmental conservation (2024).
- Moderated sessions on the role of courts in combating climate change (2024).
- Recused himself from the War Memorial Hospital case in Nakuru after police disobeyed court orders (2024).
His rulings often emphasize protection of vulnerable groups, environmental conservation, and proper land succession processes.
“The court has no duty to protect unlawfully obtained deeds, even if one is an innocent purchaser for value, so long as it is proved the title was unlawfully obtained.” – Justice Ombwayo, 2023 ruling
Founding Ambururu Waterfalls Conservancy
As a distinguished Kenyan conservationist, Justice Ombwayo founded the Ambururu Waterfalls Conservancy to preserve the site's natural beauty and cultural significance. Inspired by the falls' eternal roar echoing like ancestral whispers, he named it "Ambururu." The conservancy celebrates Luo heritage while empowering local communities in Siaya County.
The conservancy focuses on:
- Protecting the waterfall's ecosystem
- Promoting eco-tourism
- Honoring local cultural heritage
- Community empowerment through sustainable development
Controversies and Investigations
In 2025, Justice Ombwayo faced allegations of misconduct:
- A businessman accused him of soliciting bribes in a land case, providing M-Pesa records as evidence.
- A petition alleged he accepted bribes from both parties in a matter.
- The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) required him to respond to these claims.
- Former LSK President Nelson Havi described him as a "test case" for addressing judicial gross misconduct.
As of November 2025, investigations are ongoing, with JSC notifying of the need for response. These allegations have sparked discussions on judicial integrity, but no final determinations have been made.
Personal Life and Legacy
While maintaining privacy in personal matters, Justice Ombwayo is known for his visionary leadership in both judiciary and conservation. His dual roles as a judge and conservancy founder highlight a commitment to justice, environmental protection, and community upliftment.
Legacy highlights:
- Over 26 years advancing environmental and land law in Kenya
- Establishing Ambururu as a beacon of natural and cultural preservation
- Advocating for vulnerable communities in court rulings
- Promoting climate action and conservation awareness
“Those seeking to purchase land must do higher due diligence since the cartels in the Ministry of Lands were becoming more complex.” – Justice Ombwayo, 2023
Contact: For judicial matters, reach him at aombwayo@court.go.ke. For conservancy inquiries, contact ambururuwaterfalls@gmail.com.
