Pheroze Nowrojee, a distinguished human rights lawyer and Senior Counsel, has passed away at the age of 84. His death, announced on Saturday, April 5, was met with an outpouring of tributes from across Kenya and beyond.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo expressed his deep sorrow, recalling Nowrojee as an exceptional advocate who set the standard for courtroom advocacy. “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!” Amollo shared on social media.
Former IEBC Commissioner Dr. Roselyn Akombe also paid tribute to Nowrojee, describing him as a tireless fighter for human rights and good governance. Akombe remembered his impactful speeches, particularly one in Atlanta, Georgia, where Nowrojee strongly supported the youth in their revolutionary causes. “A giant has fallen today. I am really sorry Villoo, Binaifer, Sia, and Elchi for this huge loss. May you be comforted by the memories you shared with Pheroze. Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee was a brilliant legal mind who argued his cases with eloquence and humor. As a Pan-Africanist, scholar, and writer, he leaves behind a legacy we must all strive to emulate,” Akombe said.
Similarly, former Central Imenti MP Gitobu Imanyara reflected on Nowrojee’s impact on both the legal profession and Kenya. “I know all of you will be as shocked as I am to learn that our friend, our mentor, and a great patriot Pheroze Nowrojee has passed on. What a loss to the legal profession and to this country. As we mourn his death, let us also celebrate an exemplary life well lived,” Imanyara remarked.
Lawyer Willis Otieno paid tribute to Nowrojee’s intellectual brilliance, describing him as a man of unmatched intellect and dignity. “Quite saddened to learn that my senior, Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee, has passed on. A quintessential advocate; measured, brilliant, and dignified, who embodied the finest traditions of courtroom advocacy. A teacher, mentor, human and constitutional rights lawyer, poet, and writer, SC Nowrojee leaves behind a towering legacy of intellect, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice,” Otieno noted.
Pheroze Nowrojee was an advocate of the High Court of Kenya since 1967, and also held advocacy roles in Tanzania (1970), Zanzibar (1989), and other regions, earning him recognition as one of East Africa’s most respected legal minds. In addition to his practice, Nowrojee lectured at the University of Dar es Salaam, the University of Nairobi, and the Kenya School of Law, sharing his knowledge and passion for law with generations of students.
As tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, friends, and students alike, Pheroze Nowrojee’s legacy as a brilliant legal mind, advocate for justice, and mentor will be long remembered.
