The legal fraternity is in mourning following the passing of Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee, one of Kenya’s most distinguished legal minds and human rights defenders.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Odhiambo, led tributes, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a man whose life was dedicated to justice and the rule of law.
Nowrojee, a veteran constitutional lawyer, poet, and mentor, passed away at the age of 83. His death marks the end of an era for the legal profession in Kenya, where he had spent decades advocating for human rights, democracy, and the independence of the judiciary.
Known for his unwavering stance against authoritarianism, Nowrojee was a beacon of legal integrity and moral courage.
In a heartfelt statement, LSK President Faith Odhiambo described Nowrojee as a “colossal figure in the legal landscape whose contributions were immeasurable.” She highlighted his relentless fight for justice and his influence on younger generations of lawyers.
“We have lost not just a lawyer but a mentor, a voice of reason, and a guardian of our constitutional values. His legacy will live on through the countless legal minds he inspired and the principles of justice he upheld,” Odhiambo stated.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo. Photo: NTV Kenya Source: Facebook
She further emphasized Nowrojee’s commitment to justice, quoting his own words “Justice keeps rulers legitimate.” She praised his integrity, stating, “He died as he lived practicing an honest profession.”
Nowrojee’s final public address was at the LSK Annual Conference in August 2024, where he passionately spoke about the role of advocates in resisting bad governance.
His speech, which received a standing ovation, is now being remembered as a powerful call to action for legal practitioners to remain steadfast in their duty to protect justice.
His literary work, Practicing an Honest Profession, launched at the same conference, encapsulated his lifelong commitment to ethical legal practice.
Nowrojee firmly believed that justice was the backbone of a functioning society and that lawyers bore a great responsibility in maintaining its integrity.
As the legal community grapples with his passing, tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, students, and human rights activists.
The void left by his death is profound, but his teachings, writings, and unwavering commitment to justice will continue to shape Kenya’s legal landscape for generations to come.
