Charles Njonjo is Dead

Charles Njonjo.
Charles Njonjo.
File

Kenya's first Attorney General Sir Charles Njonjo is dead.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday, January 2, announced the demise of the veteran politician Charles Mugane Njonjo.

"It is with a heavy heart that I have this morning, Sunday 2nd January 2022, received the sad and heartbreaking news of the passing away of Hon. Charles Mugane Njonjo. 

Njonjo, the only surviving member of Kenya's independence Cabinet, passed away peacefully at 5am this morning at the age of 101 years.

Former Attorney General Charles Njonjo (left) and his late father Josiah Njonjo
Former Attorney General Charles Njonjo (left) and his late father Josiah Njonjo
Kenya National Archives

The passing away of Hon. Njonjo is a big blow not only to his immediate family, friends and relatives but to all Kenyans and indeed, the entire African continent because of his leading role in the founding of the Kenyan nation at independence," the President stated.

The Head of State went on to thank the politician for his selfless contribution towards the post independence era. Njonjo served as the first Attorney General between 1963 and 1979.

He added that the country will be indebted to Njonjo and his generation for setting the pace in the country's politics.

"As a nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to Hon. Njonjo and his generation of independence era leaders for their selfless contribution to the laying of the solid foundation upon which our country continues to thrive.

"Kenya's progressive constitutional and legal regime owes its robustness to Hon. Njonjo's splendid work when he served as the country's first post-independence Attorney General between 1963 and 1979, and as Constitutional Affairs Minister between 1980 and 1983.

"On behalf of the Kenyan nation, my family and on my own behalf, I send deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives of Hon. Njonjo, and indeed all Kenyans. 

"May God the Almighty grant each one of us grace and fortitude as we mourn and come to terms with the passing away of Hon. Charles Mugane Njonjo who was not only our national hero but an icon of Kenya's progress through the years," the President pointed out.

Deputy President William Ruto mourned the demise of veteran politician Charles Njonjo terming him as man devoted in serving the country during his tenure. 

"He was knowledgeable, blunt and a dedicated advocate for the causes he believed in," the DP stated.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga and his wife Ida noted that the country had lost a towering giant who served in key roles in his life.

Mama Ida and I have received with shock and heavy hearts news of the passing of my long-time friend Charles Njonjo. Our legal fraternity greatly benefitted from his input and hard work," Raila noted.

In his lifetime, "the Duke of Kabeteshire" amassed immense wealth, consisting of a multi-billion estate.

Reports indicate that his net worth is estimated to be above Ksh7 billion.

Former President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta (centre) with a young Uhuru Kenyatta, Vice President Moi (behind him) and former Attorney General Charles Njonjo (to Mzee Jomo's right) in the mid 1960s..jpg
Former President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta (centre) with a young Uhuru Kenyatta, Vice President Moi (behind him) and former Attorney General Charles Njonjo (to Mzee Jomo's right) in the mid 1960s..jpg
Daily Nation



 

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