Kenya’s human rights fraternity lauds posthumous EBS award for Pheroze Nowrojee
President William Ruto has posthumously awarded Pheroze Nowrojee the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear, recognising his role in Kenya’s human rights, democracy and landmark 2017 election petition.
President William Ruto’s decision to award the late lawyer and human rights champion, Pheroze Nowrojee, with the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) has been lauded by Kenya's human rights fraternity.
During the Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2025, President Ruto conferred Nowrojee the Second-Class Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear in recognition of his immense contribution to human rights, law, and literature in Kenya.
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Nowrojee died in April 2025 at the age of 84.
Amnesty International - Kenya Chapter Executive Director Houghton Irungu told The Eastleigh Voice that he, alongside other human rights stakeholders, had long called for proper recognition of the late lawyer.
“Without seeking state honours or awards, Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee consistently and fearlessly acted for justice and constitutionalism. His life and impact are synonymous with Kenya’s journey to democracy and human rights,” said Irungu.
He added that honouring Nowrojee with the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear “reminds us that principled courage in the public interest will always be recognised”.
Nowrojee’s work transcended the courtroom and the written word, touching lives and inspiring a collective pursuit of a freer, fairer Kenya.
His opinion pieces on legal matters in national dailies educated and simplified complex concepts for law students and the public.
His acumen came to the fore during the live proceedings of the 2017 Presidential Election Petition, which showcased his litigation prowess to the wider public.
As one of the lead counsels for the petitioners, Nowrojee delivered a 40-minute submission that tied up the loose ends of the case.
Some argue his compelling arguments helped secure the Supreme Court’s historic decision, the first on the African continent, to nullify a presidential election.
He countered and dismantled, point by point, the assertions of the respondents’ counsels, relying on the Constitution, statutes, and case law.
Reflecting on the 2017 election petition victory, he remarked: “It had taken us 25 years to achieve this overturning of the constant practice of rigging by those in power.” He explained that the decision affirmed the principle of constitutional supremacy over the supremacy of individual politicians.
“We had set the precedent that compliance with the constitution’s provisions binds all governance and all public activity in Kenya,” he said.
Among the cases he was most proud of was the 1990 Nairobi Law Monthly case.
The magazine, founded and edited by Gitobu Imanyara, had been banned by the Moi government. Nowrojee and his team successfully challenged the ban, and the High Court lifted it.
Prior to the EBS award, a motion was presented at the Nairobi County Assembly on October 7, 2025, by Nairobi South Ward Representative and Deputy Minority Leader Chege Waithera to have a road named after Nowrojee.
In her motion, Waithera described him as an advocate who pursued justice over grandstanding or profit, often offering pro bono services when needed. She emphasised his belief in the sanctity of the Constitution, even in turbulent political climates.
Waithera highlighted Nowrojee’s patriotism, his outstanding contribution to the rule of law, human rights, democracy, and the promotion of good governance as justification for the honour.
The late senior counsel was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1965 and admitted as an advocate in Kenya in 1967. He later enrolled as an advocate in Tanzania in 1970 and in Zanzibar in 1989.
He attended Catholic Parochial Primary School in Nairobi before proceeding to Billimorja High School in Panchgani, Maharashtra, India. He later studied at Bombay University, the University of Dar es Salaam, and Yale Law School in the United States.
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