Who Is Who: Elisha Ongoya
Advocate Elisha Ongoya emerged as a prominent figure in Kenya’s legal space during the impeachment proceedings against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. His masterful cross-examination of witnesses not only captured the attention in Parliament but also sparked widespread discussions on social media during the two-day Senate proceedings.
Mr. Ongoya formed part of a legal team of 14, including Senior Counsel Paul Muite, Victor Swanya Ogeto and Ndegwa Njiru, representing Gachagua. He gained particular recognition for his rigorous cross-examination of Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, the mover of the impeachment motion in the National Assembly, which revealed significant gaps in Mr. Mutuse’s allegations.
Before this high-profile case, Mr. Ongoya had already built an illustrious career in law and academia. He successfully defended Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza against two impeachment motions that allowed her to retain her seat, showcasing his prowess in representing his clients in challenging legal battles. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the legal team that successfully challenged and halted the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a controversial proposal aimed at amending the Kenyan Constitution.
Born on April 15, 1975, Mr. Ongoya studied at St. Paul’s Ikahlika Primary School and Musingu High School in Western Kenya. He began his legal journey at the University of Nairobi, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and a Master of Laws (LL.M). He furthered his education at the Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI) in Israel, where he studied the Management of Higher Learning. These experiences laid the foundation for his career in law and academia. He is currently a partner at Ongoya & Wambola Advocates and a senior lecturer at Kabarak University in Nakuru.