President William Ruto has led Kenyans in mourning the death of renowned constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee, who passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
In a statement shared on his official X account, the President expressed sorrow, describing Nowrojee as a principled and brilliant legal mind who dedicated his life to justice, democracy, and the defence of human rights.
“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,” Ruto said.
He lauded Nowrojee’s lifelong commitment to the protection of freedoms and the rule of law, noting that he stood in solidarity with ordinary citizens and inspired generations with his work.
“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,” the president added.
Ruto said the country had lost a true patriot whose legacy would continue to shape Kenya’s legal and democratic journey for years to come.
“With his death, the nation has lost a brilliant legal mind who has made undeniable positive contributions to the development of our vibrant democracy and human rights culture,” the head of state noted.
Adding;
“On behalf of the people and the government of Kenya, I send condolences to the family of the late Nowrojee, and pray that they take comfort from the fact that his spirit, passion and vision shall endure for generations through his exemplary legacy. May the soul of the departed Senior Counsel rest in peace.”
Other prominent leaders also paid glowing tribute to Nowrojee, recalling his influence on Kenya’s legal profession and his mentorship to many.
People’s Liberation Party (PLP), party leader veteran politician Martha Karua described Nowrojee as a humble and selfless patriot who shaped her early years in law.
“Pheroze Nowrojee [was] a legal luminary whose mentoring and leadership has positively impacted many, many legal careers. I learnt at his feet as a young lawyer, and committed to benefit from his wise counsel in my work in Uganda as well as in Kenya on the abduction case filed by @lsk_nbi. Pheroze was humble, amiable and a selfless patriot,” Karua stated.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris also shared a message of sympathy.
“My condolences to the family and friends of Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee.”
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo mourned Nowrojee as a man of distinction who stood tall in the pursuit of justice and professional excellence.
“It is a sad day for the legal profession as we bid farewell to a man who taught us what it means to be distinguished professionals. A man of irrefutable poise and honourable character, whose life exemplified duty to service and dedication to Justice,” she wrote on X.
Adding;
“Our hearts sink today, for we have lost one of the greatest to have ever done it. As we honour this bastion of constitutionalism, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and every person whose life he touched. May Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee rest in eternal peace.”