Born in the 1960s in western part of Kenya, Justice Odunga was described as one who has risen against all odds to attain outstanding academic credentials, an unwavering self-belief and a career in law.
He has an LLB in law from the University of Nairobi and was admitted to the bar as an advocate in 1992 before starting out in private practice at Behan & Okero Advocates.
He has hit the headlines with his hard hitting decisions. Many have seen him as pro-opposition simply because he has lashed at the government with his court decisions.
While many see him as one who dared to call a spade what it is instead of a big spoon, others have described him as biased and just pro-opposition.
This man has received a fair share of criticism for his court decisions. But on Friday evening, he defied all manner of criticisms and controversies when he was named and celebrated as the 2018 Jurist of the Year.
According to the Kenyan chapter of the International Commission of Jurists, Justice Odunga has been recognised for exemplary performance in the protection as well as promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Kenya.
“His calm conduct has proven to be just what the country required at difficult moments, he has earned his place in history as a courageous, firm and wise judge despite the cost of the high stakes political contest in evidence, the public knows his heart and defends his judgment,” said ICJ.
He was recently transferred to Machakos as the presiding judge after serving as the head of the judicial review division of the High Court at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi. He has also worked in the commercial and civil divisions.