President Ruto leads Kenyans in mourning Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee

President William Ruto has led the nation in mourning the death of veteran lawyer, Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee, who passed away on Saturday morning in Virginia, United States, aged 84.

Nowrojee, a towering figure in Kenya’s legal and human rights spheres, has been widely described as a “gentle giant,” a brilliant courtroom advocate, and a fearless defender of constitutionalism and justice.

In his tribute, President Ruto praised Nowrojee as “a long-serving advocate, decorated constitutional lawyer and veteran defender of human rights.”

“Mr Nowrojee was universally respected for his principled commitment to the advancement of democracy, protection of fundamental rights and freedoms and the promotion of constitutionalism and the rule of law,” Ruto said.

He added, “With his death, the nation has lost a brilliant legal mind who has made undeniable positive contributions to the development of our vibrant democracy and human rights culture. I send condolences to the family of the late Nowrojee and pray that they take comfort from the fact that his spirit, passion and vision shall endure for generations through his exemplary legacy.”

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said he had the honour of learning under Nowrojee’s guidance.

“Senior Counsel was a jurist of towering intellect, a steadfast defender of constitutionalism, and a refined literary soul,” Wetang’ula said.

“He was humble, rational, fearless, and scrupulously ethical in the discharge of his professional obligations.”

Senior @NowrojeePheroze was an accomplished advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a distinguished legal scholar and a key member of the struggle for our Second Liberation. https://t.co/m7FBeNFusC pic.twitter.com/kMAxmBtXM3

— Rt. Hon. Amason Jeffah Kingi, EGH. (@HonAmasonKingi) April 5, 2025

People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua credited Nowrojee for shaping her early legal career.

“I learnt at his feet as a young lawyer, and committed to benefit from his wise counsel in my work in Uganda as well as in Kenya on the abduction case filed by Law Society of Kenya Nairobi Branch,” she said, calling him “humble, amiable and a selfless patriot”.

Former IEBC Commissioner Dr Roselyn Akombe termed Nowrojee as a giant, who had a brilliant legal mind and argued his cases in court with eloquence and humour.

“As a fighter for human rights and good governance, a Pan-Africanist, a scholar and a writer, he leaves behind a rich legacy that we must emulate,” Akombe said.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga, equally stunned by the news, described Nowrojee as “a great compatriot who carved an outstanding career as a lawyer, social justice activist, writer and intellectual.”

“At the height of state repression, SC Nowrojee stood out as one of the few voices against injustices and fought for respect of fundamental rights and freedoms,” Maraga said.

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He also recalled Nowrojee’s pivotal role in political reform, noting, “As a Co-Convenor and Spokesperson of NCEC, he was fundamental in the peaceful transition of power in 2002 and the promulgation of the 2010 Kenyan Constitution.”

The Law Society of Kenya Chairperson, Faith Odhiambo, eulogised Nowrojee as a man of irrefutable poise and honourable character, whose life exemplified duty to service and dedication to justice.

"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.

"As we honour this bastion of constitutionalism, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and every person whose life he touched. May Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee rest in eternal peace."

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, who worked alongside Nowrojee during Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy, described him as “an unparalleled voice of social justice”.

“Pheroze joined the team of the Young Turks in the courageous struggle for political reforms and the reconstruction of the country’s collapsed governance under the Moi/KANU dictatorship. We triumphed,” Nyong’o said.

“In these last days, Pheroze Nowrojee SC remained fiercely vocal in championing a more equitable and dignified societal transformation for a human rights-based governance and development,” he added.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan mourned Nowrojee as “a Kenyan legal giant, a fearless progressive political activist, and a gifted writer.”

"I am deeply shattered by the passing of Pheroze Nowrojee. His departure leaves a profound void, but his legacy endures as a towering testament to his unrelenting dedication to justice and equality. We owe him an immense debt of gratitude for his monumental contributions to advancing our constitutional rights and his steadfast role as a champion of democracy, human rights, and transformative change in our nation," he said.

"Pheroze’s work transcended the courtroom and the written word, touching lives and inspiring a collective pursuit of a freer, fairer Kenya. To his beloved family—Mama Villoo, Binaifer, Sia, and Elchi—I extend my heartfelt condolences. Go well, Pheroze, and rest in power."

Mathare Social Justice Centre revealed that Nowrojee had been battling pneumonia and passed away at 85.

“He brought a deep sense of commitment, wisdom, and solidarity that transcended generations,” MSJC said.

“A patriot has rested. His spirit lives on.”