The teacher's daughter who could be Kenya's next Chief Justice

Lillian Lewa, the Principal Magistrate at Kwale Law Courts and head of station at the Kwale Law Courts, stands proudly at the pinnacle of judicial leadership in Kenya.

Originating from Chonyi, a sub-tribe of the Mijikenda community in Kilifi County, Lillian serves as a profound inspiration to the girls in the coastal region.

Raised in a nurturing household by her father, a dedicated high school teacher, and her mother, a compassionate nurse, Lillian's early years were characterised by an emphasis on education.

In her childhood, Lillian harboured dreams of becoming a doctor—an aspiration shaped by her experiences as a sickly child.

“I had an ambition to be a doctor because that was the only profession I was exposed to,” Lillian reminisces, her eyes glimmering with nostalgia.

“My father was a teacher, and my mother was a nurse. As a sickly child, I was inspired to become my own doctor.”

However, the trajectory of her ambitions shifted dramatically during her time at Limuru Girls High School in Kiambu County, where a scholarship enabled her to complete her education.

“When I went to high school, I interacted with different people from varied backgrounds. That exposure made me realise that there’s more to life than just being a doctor or a teacher. I started to wonder, is there anything more than just being a doctor?” she says, reflecting on her transformative experiences.

It was within the walls of her school that Lillian's burgeoning passion for law began to flourish.

Public service

 “We had a law club at school, and that inspired me further. By the time I was sitting my exams, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer,” she declares, conveying the strength of her newfound resolve.

After obtaining her law degree, Lillian initially ventured into public service as an immigration officer, before joining the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Yet, she soon found herself feeling out of place in this role.

“I realised the power lies within the judiciary. When you are the judge, you make those defining decisions that can change lives and communities,” she explains, her conviction evident.

Power of the pen

In 2012, she bravely transitioned from her position as a prosecutor to embrace the mantle of a magistrate, motivated by a desire to effect real change.

“I want to change the world through the power of my pen,” she declares with fervour, embodying the determination that fuels her mission on the bench.

Lillian keenly understands the weighty responsibilities of her position, particularly when assisting individuals in desperate need of justice.

“I believe for someone to come to court, it must be their very last resort,” she notes, acknowledging the gravity of each case brought before her.

Her role has brought her face-to-face with heartrending stories, one of which centred around a father and son accused of wildlife crimes.

The duo—a father in his 60s and a son in his 20s—were unable to attend hearings due to their precarious financial situation.

This reality underscores Lillian’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is served.

“It’s a personal burden for me to ensure justice is delivered,” she affirms passionately. “I often find myself going above and beyond my usual call of duty.”

As the head of station at Kwale Law Courts, Lillian now aspires to advance to senior principal magistrate—an essential step closer to her ultimate goal of one day serving as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

 “That is where I believe I can make the most significant impact,” she asserts confidently, her gaze fixed resolutely on the horizon.

A noteworthy aspect of Lillian's advocacy includes her integral involvement with the Kwale Court Users Committee (CUC), which garnered recognition last year as an exemplary court user by the Judiciary.

The CUC pioneered the introduction of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Standard Operating Procedures, becoming the second in the country to adopt such measures. These procedures serve as a critical framework for all actors in the criminal justice system within Kwale County, promoting a victim-centred approach when dealing with survivors of gender-based violence.

“We realised that to create a truly supportive environment for victims, we must ensure that everyone involved is knowledgeable and compassionate,” Lillian elucidates , her commitment to reform evident in her words.

Victims' safety

Such initiatives highlight her dedication to improving the justice system's response to sensitive cases, creating an essential support structure for victims navigating the complexities of the legal process.

“Creating an environment where victims feel safe and supported is paramount. This is not just about justice; it's about healing and empowerment,” she emphasises, underlining the profound importance of empathy in justice.

Despite the myriad challenges she faces, Lillian remains steadfast in her vision for a future where access to justice is equitably distributed.

She identifies the potential of mobile courts as a pivotal solution for those hindered by the often insurmountable distances to traditional court venues.

“We need leaders to mobilise resources and shine a light on the availability of legal services, especially in remote areas. It's not just about construction; it’s about the will of our leaders to facilitate justice for all,” she implores, highlighting the necessity for proactive leadership in judicial accessibility.

Lillian’s journey stands as a beacon of inspiration for young women, particularly in regions where cultural expectations may stifle their aspirations.

 Her message is resolute: “Do not be in a hurry to conform to societal pressures. Pursue your dreams, knowing they are valid.”

She firmly believes in the critical role of mentorship and support networks in dismantling outdated perceptions of women’s abilities.

“We cannot just confine ourselves to conventional professions. We need to encourage young women to explore different opportunities and interact more widely with the world,” she observes, advocating for a broader understanding of potential.

As Lillian gazes into the future, she holds an unwavering belief that her journey has merely commenced.

 “I aspire to be a senior principal magistrate and ultimately a Chief Justice. Because through the power of my pen, I believe I can change the world,” she concludes, her voice echoing with determination and hope.

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