President William Ruto, on Saturday, April 5, joined a myriad of legal minds and politicians in mourning the renowned human rights and constitutional lawyer Pheroze Nowrojee.
President Ruto hailed Nowrojee as a universally respected, decorated constitutional lawyer and veteran human rights defender in a statement late on Saturday.
"I have learnt with sadness about the death of Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee, a long-serving advocate, decorated constitutional lawyer, and veteran defender of human rights," the President stated.
"Mr Nowrojee was universally respected for his principled commitment to the advancement of democracy, protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, and the promotion of constitutionalism and the rule of law. Equally universally, he was admired for his unfailing graciousness, erudition, and solidarity with the ordinary citizen."
According to Ruto, the loss of Nowrojee is a loss to all Kenyans, as he made great contributions to the development of Kenya's democracy and human rights culture.
He concluded his statement by sending his condolences to the family of the senior counsel on behalf of all Kenyans.
Joining him in mourning, the senior counsel was Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga, who hailed him as an epitome of forthrightness and resilience for the struggle and agitation for human rights in Kenya and a people's attorney.
"For as long as Kenyans have fought for their civil and political liberties and freedoms, Senior Counsel Pheroze Norojee has been there, steadfast and unbowed as the People's Attorney," Odinga stated.
"His thoughts and footprints are in every milestone we have attained as a country, including the Constitution of 2010. His passing marks the end of a historic era and leaves a gap that will be almost impossible to fill."
Chief Justice Martha Koome lauded the late Nowrojee as a Mwalimu; a mentor and a conscience to many, who was an icon in the Kenyan Bar.
A recurring theme in the condolence messages was Nowrojee's dedication to defending human rights both in the country and regionally and his role in shaping the sector.
People's Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr also joined the masses in mourning the legendary advocate.
