Anne Atieno Amadi stands as one of Kenya’s most accomplished yet controversial legal minds. From her humble beginnings in rural Kenya to becoming the powerful Judiciary chief registrar, her journey has been remarkable—until a shocking KSh 102 million gold scandal involving her son threatened to derail her legacy.
This in-depth Anne Amadi explores:
✔️ Her early life, education, and meteoric rise in Kenya’s legal system
✔️ The truth about her family—husband, children, and private life
✔️ Her historic tenure as Chief Registrar (2014–2024)
✔️ The explosive gold fraud case and its lingering questions
✔️ Her retirement and future prospects
Early Life & Education: From Village Girl to Legal Scholar
Born in 1965 in Siaya County, Anne Amadi grew up in Kitale, Trans Nzoia, where she attended primary school before joining Kapsabet Girls for her A-Levels.
Academic Brilliance:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – University of Nairobi
- Master’s in Criminal Justice – Boston University, USA
- Postgraduate Diplomas in Alternative Dispute Resolution (California) & Humanitarian Law (Italy)
Her academic prowess set the stage for a trailblazing legal career.
Career Timeline: Magistrate, Advocate, Judiciary Chief
1. Early Career (1990–2003)
- 1990: Joined Kenya’s judiciary as a District Magistrate II
- 1997: Left to start A. A. Amadi & Co. Advocates, her private law firm
2. Women’s Rights & Legal Reforms (2003–2011)
- Deputy Director, FIDA Kenya (Federation of Women Lawyers)
- National Coordinator, NALEAP (Legal Aid Program)
3. Chief Registrar of the Judiciary (2014–2024)
- Appointed in 2014 after Gladys Shollei’s controversial exit
- Key Achievements:
- Oversaw the Judiciary’s multi-billion-dollar budget
- Administered oath of office to two presidents (Uhuru & Ruto)
- Modernized court operations
Her tenure was largely successful—until the gold scandal erupted.
Anne Amadi’s Family: The Hidden Details
Husband: Engineer Dan Amadi
- A private figure, rarely seen in public
- Believed to be a civil engineer
Children: Brian Ochieng & Three Others
- Brian Ochieng Amadi (her eldest son) became central to the gold fraud case
- Little is known about her other three children
The KSh 102M Gold Scandal: Fraud or Frame-Up?
What Happened?
In 2021, Dubai-based Bruton Gold Trading LLC wired $742,206 (KSh 102M) to Amadi & Associates Advocates for 1,500kg of gold bars.
But the gold never arrived.
Key Revelations:
✔️ The money was withdrawn in cash by Brian Ochieng & another lawyer
✔️ Amadi denied involvement, claiming she left the firm in 2014
✔️ Court froze the law firm’s accounts but spared her personal funds
Was She Framed?
- Supporters say rivals targeted her for political reasons
- Critics argue she failed to supervise her son’s dealings
Retirement & Future Plans
Amadi retired in January 2024 after 10 years as Chief Registrar.
What’s Next?
- Recently interviewed for an IEBC commissioner role (2025)
- May return to private legal practice
Conclusion: A Legacy of Power & Controversy
Anne Amadi’s story is a Kenyan legal saga—triumphs, power, and scandal. While her gold case remains unresolved, her impact on Kenya’s judiciary is undeniable.
Do you think she was unfairly treated? Or should she take responsibility? Comment below!
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