Renowned Human Rights Lawyer Pheroze Nowrojee Passes Away at 84
Kenya is mourning the loss of one of its most celebrated legal minds, Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee, who passed away at the age of 84. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Chairperson, Faith Odhiambo, confirmed the news on Thursday, describing him as “a man of irrefutable poise and honourable character.”
“It is a sad day for the legal profession as we bid farewell to a man who taught us what it means to be distinguished professionals. Our hearts sink today, for we have lost one of the greatest to have ever done it,” she said.
A Towering Figure in Kenyan Law and Justice
Nowrojee’s legal career spanned more than five decades, during which he became a fearless advocate for constitutionalism, human rights, and civil liberties. He was not only known for his courtroom prowess but also for his scholarly writings, poetry, and deep love for history.
His eloquent opinion pieces in national newspapers helped demystify legal matters for the general public, inspiring generations of lawyers and law students.
Legacy of the 2017 Presidential Petition
Nowrojee rose to national prominence during the live televised Presidential Election Petition 1 of 2017 (Odinga & another v IEBC & 2 others), where he served as a lead counsel for the petitioners. His 40-minute closing argument—masterfully citing constitutional provisions, case law, and legal precedent—was widely credited as pivotal in the Supreme Court’s historic decision to nullify a presidential election, the first such ruling in Africa.
A Lifelong Dedication to Justice
Pheroze’s passion for justice was rooted in his childhood. As a young boy, he often accompanied his father, AR Kapila, a defense attorney, to court. One case in particular—the Mau Mau Lari massacre trial in 1953—left an indelible mark on him. “It confirmed for me that this was the task I wanted to do,” he once recalled.
He was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1965, admitted as an advocate in Kenya in 1967, and later in Tanzania and Zanzibar. His education took him from Nairobi’s Catholic Parochial Primary School to India’s Billimoria High School, Bombay University, Dar-es-Salaam, and finally, Yale Law School in the U.S.
Beyond the Courtroom
Away from legal briefs, Nowrojee was a passionate reader of history, politics, and fiction. He also enjoyed sketching and watercolor painting. He was the author of A Kenyan Journey, a memoir reflecting on his personal and professional life, and a body of poetic works that echoed his lifelong pursuit of justice.
He is survived by his three children.
A Champion of Press Freedom
Another landmark case he held dear was the defense of Nairobi Law Monthly, a publication banned by the Moi regime in 1990. Alongside his legal team, Nowrojee successfully petitioned the High Court to lift the ban—a crucial victory for press freedom in Kenya.
A Nation Salutes a Legal Legend
As tributes pour in from across the country and beyond, Kenyans remember Pheroze Nowrojee not just as a brilliant lawyer, but as a steadfast defender of justice, a mentor, and a gentleman of rare humility and brilliance.
“May Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee rest in eternal peace,” said LSK’s Faith Odhiambo, capturing the somber mood of a profession and nation in mourning.
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Renowned Human Rights Lawyer Pheroze Nowrojee Passes Away at 84