|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The legal fraternity, human rights advocates, social justice militants and countless individuals across Kenya and beyond mourn the passing of Pheroze Nowrojee, a towering figure in law, justice, and public service. A man of unwavering principle, profound intellect, and deep empathy, Pheroze’s life was a testament to the enduring power of courage and compassion in the face of injustice. He passed away too soon, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
Pheroze was a product of a nation grappling with colonial rule and the subsequent struggles for independence. Educated at the University of Nairobi and later abroad, he distinguished himself early as a brilliant legal mind. However, it was not just his sharp intellect that set him apart—it was his unshakable commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law that defined his career.
Nowrojee’s legal practice spanned decades, during which he took on some of the most politically sensitive and socially significant cases in Kenya’s history. He was a fearless advocate for human rights, often representing the marginalized and oppressed against powerful interests. His work during the 1980s and 1990s, a period marked by political repression by the Moi regime in Kenya, was particularly notable. At great personal risk, he defended detainees, spoke out against torture, and challenged authoritarianism, earning him both admiration and persecution.
Beyond the courtroom, Nowrojee was a scholar and educator. He lectured at the University of Nairobi’s School of Law, shaping the minds of future lawyers and instilling in them the values of integrity and justice. His writings, including legal commentaries and human rights reports, remain essential references for those studying law and governance in Africa. He also wrote one of the best biographies of Pio Pinto, who was assassinated by the Kenyatta regime.
Nowrojee was deeply involved in civil society, serving in leadership roles in organizations such as the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC)* and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ). His contributions to constitutional reform in Kenya were instrumental in shaping the country’s legal framework, advocating for a more equitable and just society.
Yet, for all his professional achievements, those who knew him personally remember a man of remarkable humility and kindness. He mentored countless young lawyers, never too busy to offer guidance. His dry wit, love for literature, and quiet generosity endeared him to friends and colleagues alike. I shall miss him deeply: he was incredibly supportive during the crisis that led to my being forced to resign from Pambazuka News.
Pheroze Nowrojee’s passing leaves a void in Kenya’s legal and human rights landscape. However, his legacy endures in the lives he touched, the precedents he set, and the principles he upheld. As Kenya and the world reflect on his contributions, one truth remains evident: his life was a beacon of hope in dark times, a reminder that one person’s dedication to justice can indeed change the course of history.
Martin Luther King reminded us that “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” – Pheroze Nowrojee’s life was proof of that belief. May his soul rest in power. My condolences to his family.
