Kenya mourned the passing of one of its most eminent legal minds and defenders of justice, Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee, who died at age 84, on 5th April, 2025. A towering figure in the country’s legal, human rights, and democratic spheres, Nowrojee leaves behind an enduring legacy rooted in integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
Born in 1941 into a family with deep historical roots in Kenya, Nowrojee’s grandfather arrived in East Africa in 1896, a journey recounted in his memoir. ‘A Kenyan Journey’. This strong sense of heritage shaped his identity and fuelled his lifelong mission to champion justice and democracy. Called to the Kenyan Bar in 1965, Nowrojee earned a Master of Laws from Yale University. His legal training across Kenya, the UK and USA empowered his global perspective, which he combined with a deep understanding of local realities to advocate fearlessly for human rights and constitutionalism.
He practised as an Advocate of the High Courts of Kenya (1967), Tanzania (1970) and Zanzibar (1989), specialising in constitutional, political and human rights cases. Throughout his six-decade-long career, Nowrojee defended political detainees, activists, and journalists during Kenya’s most repressive eras. Known for his humility, sharp intellect, and principled approach, he believed that the law must always serve justice, even when inconvenient to those in power. Beyond litigation, Nowrojee was a prolific writer and teacher, publishing widely on constitutional law and judicial independence. His influence extended into academia and mentorship, shaping generations of legal minds across East Africa.
In 1995, ICJ Kenya honored him as ‘Jurist of the Year’ for his exceptional contributions to the promotion of human rights. Notably, he spearheaded the fundraising campaign that helped establish ICJ Kenya House, a lasting symbol of his leadership and vision. His commitment was not just financial, it was personal and deeply symbolic, reinforcing institutional resilience and the pursuit of justice.
His influence extended beyond the legal arena. In August 2024, he delivered a stirring keynote at the Law Society of Kenya’s annual conference, urging lawyers to uphold moral responsibility during times of political uncertainty – earning a standing ovation.
An author, historian, poet and quiet revolutionary, Nowrojee believed in the dignity of all, regardless of their station. He used his voice and his pen to ensure that dignity was recognized in law and in practice. His books include: ‘Pio Gama Pinto: Patriot for Social Justice’, ‘A Vote for Kenya’, and ‘Conserving the Intangible’. His numerous awards include the Bernard Simons Human Rights Prize, the CB Madan Constitution Prize, and the Law Society of Kenya Roll of Honour.
Among his most memorable cases were the nullification of the 2017 presidential election and the unbanning of the Nairobi Law Monthly during the KANU era—landmark moments that reaffirmed judicial independence.
Today, Kenya salutes a life lived with courage, compassion, and clarity of purpose, even as the legal fraternity and citizens alike are reminded of his timeless message: “A lawyer’s duty is not just to argue the law – but to argue justice.” His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to stand firmly for truth, justice, and the Constitution.
