Legal minds, leaders pay tributes to advocate Nowrojee
Leaders and legal minds across the country have been sending condolence messages and tributes following the death of prominent advocate and legal scholar Pheroze Nowrojee, who died at the age of 84 on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
President William Ruto, in a statement, conveyed his heartfelt condolences and praised Nowrojee for his immense contributions to the legal field.
Describing him as a universally respected and decorated advocate, President Ruto acknowledged Nowrojee’s long-standing career as a constitutional lawyer and his tireless work in defending human rights.
The Kenya section of the International Commission of Jurists said his death marks the end of a monumental chapter in Kenya’s legal, human rights, and democratic history.
"But even in passing, his legacy will remain woven into the very fabric of the nation he so diligently served," said the ICJ-Kenya.
ICJ-Kenya also pointed out that the late Nowrojee played a critical role in mentoring legal minds in the country.
"He mentored generations of lawyers, judges, and scholars, many of whom now occupy senior positions across the country’s legal institutions. He believed mentorship was not an option but an obligation, and he fulfilled it with characteristic humility and grace," the legal body remarked.
The Law Society of Kenya, Nairobi Branch, joined other legal quarters in paying tribute to the late lawyer.
"Through his commitment to fostering talent and sharing knowledge, Mr. Nowrojee has made a lasting impact on the legal community, ensuring that the next generation of Advocates is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the profession," read a tribute by LSK Nairobi Branch Chair Eric Kivuva.
Meanwhile, LSK president Faith Odhiambo described Nowrojee as a man of irrefutable poise and honourable character, whose life exemplified duty to service and dedication to Justice.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo also joined in the tributes, saying: "Quite saddened to learn that my senior, senior counsel Pheroze Nowrojee has passed-on! A quintessential advocate who presented the best in court advocacy. Rest in power, senior!"
ODM Chief Raila Odinga, People's Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. also expressed their condolences, joining the nation in mourning the legendary advocate.
Nowrojee was, till his death, the Chair of the Asian African Heritage Trust which has played a very significant role in advancing Kenya's position and progress in diplomacy, peace, friendship and education worldwide.
He was called to the Bar in Kenya in 1965 and later obtained a Master of Laws from Yale University.
His early legal training in both Kenya and the United States gave him a unique blend of local understanding and global perspective, a duality that informed his work throughout his life.