Kenya is mourning the loss of Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee, a legal giant whose contributions to the country’s constitutional and legal history have left an indelible mark.

Nowrojee passed away in the United States, prompting an outpouring of tributes from leaders across the political and legal spectrum.

In a condolence message, President William Ruto expressed deep sorrow at the loss of a Nowrojee, a man he described as one who had made an immense impact on the nation’s legal landscape.

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

“The nation has lost a brilliant legal mind who has made an undeniable positive contribution to the development of our vibrant democracy and human rights culture,” added Ruto.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga also shared heartfelt tributes, recognizing Nowrojee’s pivotal role in Kenya’s peaceful transition of power in 2002 and the drafting of the 2010 Constitution.

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

He described Nowrojee as a humble and amiable soul, whose towering legacy in the legal field remained grounded in a spirit of service and humility.

Chief Justice Martha Koome also eulogized Nowrojee as an icon in the legal profession, stating: “To many of us in the legal profession, Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee was simply ‘Mwalimu’—our teacher, our mentor, our conscience.”

 “He was a towering figure in the legal and constitutional history of our nation. His brilliance, unwavering principles, and lifelong dedication to defending human rights, the rule of law, and expanding democratic space defined his career and inspired generations,” she added.

Koome highlighted Nowrojee’s immense contributions to the development of Kenyan jurisprudence, noting that his work, including landmark cases and scholarly writings, will continue to guide future generations of legal practitioners.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also paid tribute to the late Senior Counsel, recalling his pivotal role in the country’s struggles for human rights.

“Pheroze Nowrojee SC has been the epitome of forthrightness and resilience for the struggle and agitation for human rights in Kenya,” Odinga said.

Adding that: “For as long as Kenyans have fought for their civil, political liberties, and freedoms, Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee has been there, steadfast and unbowed as the People’s Attorney. His thoughts and footprints are in every milestone we have attained as a country, including the Constitution of 2010.”

Nowrojee had represented Odinga and his party in the landmark 2017 and 2022 IEBC petitions.

Odinga lamented that Nowrojee’s passing marked the end of a historic era, leaving a gap that would be difficult to fill.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also paid tribute to Nowrojee, describing him as a moral beacon and one of the most eminent legal minds of his time.

“SC Nowrojee was the ultimate colossus of legal practice,” the LSK statement read. “His life is the hallmark of what it means and takes to live a full life doing the right thing. SC Nowrojee leaves behind a legacy etched in the soul of our nation and in the conscience of our legal profession,” read LSK’s statement in parts.

Martha Karua, a former student and admirer of Nowrojee, remembered him as a mentor and a selfless patriot.

“I learned at his feet as a young lawyer, and I was committed to benefiting from his wise counsel throughout my career,” Karua said. “Pheroze was humble, amiable, and a selfless patriot.”

As Kenya reflects on the life of Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee, tributes continue to pour in, with his loss deeply felt by the legal fraternity, human rights activists, and ordinary citizens alike. His legacy, defined by a lifetime of service, will continue to inspire and guide generations.