Veteran lawyer and respected Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee has died at the age of 84.
Nowrojee, who was well-known for his strong commitment to defending human rights, upholding the Constitution, and promoting the rule of law, was a towering figure in Kenya’s legal profession.
He played a major role in shaping the country’s legal landscape and mentored many young lawyers over the years, leaving behind a powerful legacy.
His death was announced by Rarieda Member of Parliament and fellow Senior Counsel Otiende Amollo, who mourned the loss of his mentor and senior colleague.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my senior, Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee. He was a true example of legal excellence and the best in courtroom advocacy. Rest in Power, Senior,” Amollo posted.
Born in Nairobi, Pheroze Nowrojee gained national and regional recognition for his expertise and commitment to justice. Throughout his decades-long career, he took part in several landmark constitutional and human rights cases across Kenya and East Africa.
One of his most notable legal contributions came in the early 1980s when he defended former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the 1982 treason trials.
These trials followed the failed coup attempt against then-President Daniel arap Moi’s government. His work in such a high-risk political climate showed his fearless pursuit of justice.
More recently, Nowrojee was one of the 42 lawyers who represented Raila Odinga in the 2022 presidential election petition.
The legal team, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, argued that the election results were manipulated and that there was no clear winner.
They presented their case before the Supreme Court, but the judges ruled in favour of President William Ruto, upholding his victory.
Beyond his legal career, Nowrojee was a respected author and academic. He wrote several influential books, including Pio Gama Pinto: Patriot for Social Justice (2007), A Vote for Kenya: The Elections and the Constitution (2013),
A Kenyan Journey (2014), and Conserving the Intangible (2015). These works reflect his deep understanding of Kenya’s political history and legal system.
He also received many prestigious awards and recognitions for his dedication to law and justice.
These include the Jurist of the Year Award (1995) from the International Commission of Jurists (Kenya), the Bernard Simons Human Rights Prize (2002–2004) from the International Bar Association, and the Law Society of Kenya Roll of Honour (2005).
Others include the Maasai People Safeguarding Rights Award (2007), the CB Madan Constitution Prize (2014), and his recent inclusion in The Lawyer Africa’s Litigation Hall of Fame in 2023.
Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from leaders and legal professionals across the country. Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo expressed her sorrow, calling it a “heartbreaking day for the legal profession.”
“We are mourning a man who showed us what it truly means to be a professional of high standards. His dignity, character, and unwavering dedication to justice made him one of the greatest legal minds our country has ever seen. His absence will be deeply felt,” she said.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi also shared his condolences, praising Nowrojee for his role in the second liberation movement and his lifelong belief in justice and the rule of law.
“Kenya has lost a brilliant legal mind whose influence will continue through the many lawyers he mentored. His contribution to our nation’s legal system was immense,” Kingi stated.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula added his voice, describing Nowrojee as “a jurist of unmatched intelligence, a defender of constitutionalism, and a gifted writer.”
“I was privileged to learn under his guidance. He taught not only law, but also the values of courage, integrity, and the importance of standing up against injustice with strength and clarity,” Wetang’ula said.
Pheroze Nowrojee’s death marks the end of an era for Kenya’s legal fraternity. His lifetime of service, courage, and wisdom will continue to inspire generations to come.
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