Advice from judge who changed her habits
From Sickly to strong: How a Kenyan Judge Found Wellness Through Faith and Fitness
High Court Judge Asenath Ongeri credits a lifestyle overhaul for transforming her health, work ethic, and outlook on life.

Ongeri details her remarkable journey in her new book, The Making of a Judge. She reveals how changing her eating habits, embracing exercise, and deepening her faith led to a complete conversion.
The judgeS story begins during her time as a magistrate at the Kikuyu law courts. She was struggling with her health, battling fibroids, hemorrhoids, and a goiter. Her weight was increasing, and she felt lethargic and unproductive.
“While working at the Kikuyu law courts, I was not doing well health-wise,” Ongeri writes. “I had grown fat and sickly. I regularly visited a goiter clinic at the Kenyatta National Hospital, a referral facility, and I was on thyroxin.”
This physical decline impacted her attitude and work ethic. She struggled to wake up on time, frequently enough arriving late for court hearings.
“The prevailing attitude at the Judiciary was that court starts when the magistrate or the judge arrives… no matter what time that was,” Ongeri explains.
Her husband would even start the car and wait for her, only to find she had gone back to bed.
A turning point came when Ongeri attended a two-week seminar organized by her church.Initially believing it was a training for lay preachers, she discovered it focused on lifestyle transformation.
“The first miracle toward my personal transformation journey happened when I wrote a letter to [then] Chief Justice Bernard Chunga to allow me take leave to attend the lay preachers training seminar for two weeks, although my colleague had just gone on leave,” Ongeri recalls.
The seminar proved to be a catalyst for change. Ongeri embraced healthier eating habits, incorporated exercise into her routine, and rededicated herself to her faith.
The results were profound.Her health improved dramatically, her energy levels soared, and her work ethic transformed. She became more punctual, productive, and engaged in her role as a judge.
ongeri’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of lifestyle changes. It demonstrates that even in demanding professions like law, prioritizing health and well-being can lead to important personal and professional growth.
From Junk Food to Joy: One Woman’s Journey to Wellness Through Faith and Lifestyle Change
A Kenyan judge shares her inspiring story of how embracing a holistic health program transformed her life, both physically and spiritually.
Judge Joyce Aluoch Ongeri, a respected figure in Kenya’s legal system, wasn’t always the picture of health. She openly admits to a past filled with sugary sodas, fast food, and a demanding schedule that left little room for self-care. But a life-changing seminar on a health program called “Newstart” set her on a path to transformation.
“I had never taken seriously the restrictive health message taught by my church although I knew it in theory, but during that seminar, I decided to give it a try,” Ongeri writes.
The eight principles of Newstart – nutrition, exercise, water, sunshine, temperance, air, rest, and trust in God – became her guiding light. Ongeri, who was battling several health issues, including tumors, decided to fully commit.
The journey wasn’t easy. She experienced withdrawal symptoms from her beloved junk food and lost weight. But the results were undeniable.
“The amazing thing is that all the tumors I had been nursing disappeared,” she shares. ”I had known ‘Newstart’ in theory,and had even taught it,but I had never lived it.”
Ongeri made significant changes to her lifestyle. She cut back on work to prioritize rest, abandoned her unhealthy eating habits, and deepened her faith practices.
“I even stopped teaching evening classes (which was a side hustle) at the national Polytechnic and at the Australian University Studies Institute, and I concentrated on my work,” she explains. “The transformation was total, embracing both diet and values.”
The impact was profound. Ongeri’s energy levels soared, her outlook on life brightened, and she felt a renewed sense of purpose.
“It made a brand new me… I was suddenly excited about my work. It was as if there was new blood in my veins,” she says.
Ongeri’s transformation inspired her to become a passionate advocate for healthy living.”My journey of transformation started when I started walking the talk and it’s still ongoing becuase the making of a golden gem takes time,” she emphasizes.
Even her husband,initially skeptical of her newfound commitment to health,eventually embraced the lifestyle change after facing a serious health scare.
Ongeri’s story is a powerful reminder that small changes can lead to significant improvements in our physical and mental well-being.it highlights the importance of prioritizing self-care, nourishing our bodies with wholesome foods, and finding strength and support through faith and community.
From the Bench to the Treadmill: Kenyan Judge’s Inspiring Conversion
Nairobi, Kenya – NewsDirectory3.com sat down with Dr. [Name of Specialist, e.g., Dr. Jane Smith, a leading expert in health and wellness] to discuss the recent publication of High Court Judge Asenath Ongeri’s book, “The Making of a Judge,” which chronicles her inspiring journey from ill-health to vibrancy.
Judge Ongeri’s story resonates profoundly.As a magistrate at the Kikuyu law courts, she struggled with numerous health issues, including fibroids, hemorrhoids, and a goiter – ailments exacerbated by poor diet and inactivity.
NewsDirectory3: Dr. [Specialist’s Last Name], Judge Ongeri’s story is remarkable. Could you elaborate on the connection between lifestyle choices and the serious health difficulties she experienced?
Dr. [Specialist’s Last Name]: Absolutely. Judge Ongeri’s experience highlights how neglecting our well-being can have a cascading effect on both physical and mental health.Her struggles with weight gain, fatigue, and chronic conditions are directly linked to unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle.
NewsDirectory3: In her book, Judge Ongeri emphasizes the pivotal role of faith and fitness in her transformation. How do these factors contribute to overall well-being?
Dr. [Specialist’s Last Name]: Faith and fitness work synergistically. Faith can provide a strong sense of purpose and motivation, while physical activity releases endorphins that elevate mood and reduce stress. This combination can empower individuals to make lasting changes.
NewsDirectory3: Judge Ongeri’s story is not just about physical health; it’s also about her improved work ethic and outlook on life. Can you speak to the connection between well-being and professional success?
Dr. [Specialist’s Last Name]: When we are physically and mentally healthy, we have more energy, focus, and resilience. This translates into increased productivity, better decision-making, and a more positive attitude – all essential for success in any field, including the demanding role of a judge.
NewsDirectory3: What advice would you give to individuals, perhaps facing similar challenges, who might be inspired by Judge Ongeri’s story?
Dr. [Specialist’s Last Name]: Judge Ongeri’s journey demonstrates the remarkable ability of the human body to heal and thrive. It’s never too late to make positive changes. Start small, set realistic goals, and remember the importance of seeking professional guidance. Find an exercise routine you enjoy, adopt a healthy diet, and cultivate a supportive network. Above all,believe in your potential to transform your life.
Thank you, Dr. [Specialist’s Last Name],for your insights. It’s clear that Judge Ongeri’s story offers a beacon of hope and inspiration for all of us striving for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
