The Supreme Court of Kenya hosted a solemn and dignified special session on Wednesday, July 10, to honour the life and legacy of the late Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee. The distinguished lawyer and human rights defender passed away on April 5, 2025, in the United States at the age of 84. His ashes were later returned to Kenya and laid to rest in accordance with his family’s wishes.
Led by Chief Justice Martha Koome, a five-judge bench presided over the Special File Closing proceedings, a rare and symbolic event held to recognize legal practitioners who made profound contributions to the legal field. The ceremony brought together judges from various courts, including Court of Appeal President Justice Daniel Musinga, Principal Judges Oscar Angote (ELC), Eric Ogola (High Court), and Byram Ongaya (ELRC). Also present were prominent members of the legal community, including LSK President Faith Odhiambo, Senior Counsel Martha Karua, Dr. Fred Ojiambo, and former Attorney General Prof. Githu Muigai.
In her tribute, Chief Justice Koome described Nowrojee as a fearless advocate for constitutionalism and justice. “He was among the few legal minds who stood tall against authoritarianism in Kenya’s darkest political periods,” Koome remarked. “He wielded the law as both shield and sword shielding the oppressed and confronting impunity.”
Throughout his career, Nowrojee championed civil liberties, challenging censorship, arbitrary detention, and state overreach, especially during the 1980s and 1990s. His role in Kenya’s “Second Liberation” earned him deep respect within and beyond the legal field.
Nowrojee’s daughter, lawyer Binaifer Nowrojee, confirmed the return of his ashes to Kenya, while his second child, Sia, highlighted the significance of Thursday’s upcoming memorial at the Louis Leakey Auditorium of the National Museum of Kenya, calling it a testament to the love and support their family has received.
Similar court proceedings have previously honoured other legal luminaries, including the late Justice Beatrice Thuranira Jayden and lawyer Willie Kimani. Nowrojee’s legacy as a principled and courageous voice in Kenya’s legal evolution continues to inspire a generation of legal practitioners.
