Six Kenyans recognised in 2025 Katiba roll for defending Constitution

Six Kenyans recognised in 2025 Katiba roll for defending Constitution
Former Chief Justice David Maraga. PHOTO/Samrack
In Summary

The awards were unveiled in Nairobi during Katiba Day, which this year marked 15 years since the adoption of the 2010 Constitution.

Six Kenyans, among them former Chief Justice David Maraga and veteran lawyer John Khaminwa, have been celebrated in the 2025 Katiba Roll of Honour for their outstanding role in safeguarding and advancing the Constitution.

The awards were unveiled in Nairobi during Katiba Day, which this year marked 15 years since the adoption of the 2010 Constitution.

The ceremony, organised by the Youth Congress with support from Creative Spills, The Elephant, and Alliance Française, brought together activists, artists, and legal experts to reflect on Kenya’s constitutional journey.

According to the organisers, the day was meant to honour not only the Constitution but also the people who have dedicated themselves to protecting its principles.

“Katiba Day gives us a unique moment to reflect on the journey, take stock of progress, and plan ways of realising the promise of the Constitution,” said Raphael Obonyo, the founder. “The Constitution gives us power, but equally, we must give it power through our participation and choices.”

The 2025 Roll featured six honourees drawn from both older and younger generations of struggle.

They are the late Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee, former Chief Justice David Maraga, John Khaminwa, activist Wanjira Wanjiru, youth leader Shakira Wafula, and Tribeless Youth Movement founder Shikoh Kihika.

Nowrojee, who died in April, was remembered for his decades-long legal work defending political detainees and journalists against state repression. “Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee was the people’s attorney.

His thoughts and footprints are in every milestone Kenya has attained, including the 2010 Constitution,” Obonyo said as the award was received by his widow, Viloo.

Khaminwa was praised for his resilience in using the law to fight dictatorship and injustice.

He was detained during the Moi era for representing pro-democracy leaders such as Raila Odinga and Kenneth Matiba.

“Lawyers must fight for democratic space, uphold the Constitution, and the rule of law,” Khaminwa said.

Maraga’s recognition centred on his historic 2017 ruling that nullified the presidential election, hailed as a global milestone in asserting the supremacy of the Constitution. His consistent advocacy for gender equity and justice even after retirement reinforced his place on the Roll of Honour.

The younger awardees highlighted the growing wave of civic activism.

Wanjira Wanjiru, co-founder of the Mathare Social Justice Centre, was recognised for championing the rights of marginalised communities.

Shakira Wafula, who emerged as a key voice during the 2024 Gen Z protests, was honoured for mobilising support for detained protesters and rallying youth movements.

Shikoh Kihika was commended for creatively using art and dialogue to foster civic awareness and combat negative ethnicity.

Since it was launched in 2024, the Katiba Roll of Honour has recognised leading figures such as Yash Pal Ghai, Willy Mutunga, Faith Odhiambo, Okiya Omtatah, Hanifa Safia Adan, and Kennedy Odede.

Obonyo said this year’s honourees demonstrate the unbroken commitment to protect the Constitution. “The Constitution is not just a document; it is a living promise. Its power rests in our hands, and we must determine our future,” he said.

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