Veteran lawyer Khaminwa turns 90 as colleagues hail his courage, commitment to justice

By  Sam Kiplagat

Court Reporter

Nation Media Group

Veteran lawyer Dr John Khaminwa marked his 90th birthday on Thursday with tributes from colleagues who praised his courage, commitment to justice and more than five decades in legal practice.

Khaminwa celebrated the milestone at his chambers in Lavingston, where he joined friends, staff and fellow lawyers in dancing to Isukuti music.

In a personal birthday message, the veteran advocate expressed gratitude for his health and reflected on the journey that had brought him to the milestone.

“Today is my Happy Birthday. I am now 90 years old. I thank the Almighty God, I thank him for his blessings of good health,” he wrote.

Born on September 10, 1936, in Masiyenze, a Quaker village at the foot of Kimingini Hill in Kakamega, Khaminwa grew up in a family that placed a strong emphasis on education.

Dr Khaminwa attended schools in Masiyenze, Makhokho, Musingu and Kakamega before proceeding to Government African School Kakamega and later Alliance High School, Kikuyu.

His academic journey later took him abroad. He holds an LLB from the University of London and an LLM in International Law from New York University. He also holds doctoral qualifications and is an advocate of the High Courts of Kenya and Uganda.

Dr Khaminwa began practising law in 1973 after leaving public service, launching a career that has spanned more than half a century.

He has become one of Kenya’s best-known lawyers in constitutional, human rights and governance matters, often representing clients in politically sensitive cases and challenging decisions by powerful institutions.

His career also included the turbulent one-party era, when he represented government critics and was detained in 1982.

In more recent years, Khaminwa represented the Kenya Human Rights Commission and Kituo cha Sheria in the legal challenge to the Building Bridges Initiative, appearing before the Supreme Court.

He has also represented lawyer and activist Miguna Miguna in cases concerning his detention and deportation, and former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko in Supreme Court proceedings relating to his impeachment.

On Thursday, lawyers paid tribute to his contribution to the profession.

Lawyer Kibe Mungai said he was grateful to his mentor, Dr Gibson Kamau Kuria, for introducing him to Khaminwa in 1996.

“Khaminwa is to my mind the Sir Thomas More of our times,” Mr Mungai said, adding that it was a privilege to have interacted with him professionally and personally.

Lawyer Donald Kipkorir described Khaminwa as a lawyer who had put the rule of law above monetary gain and taken on causes others would not.

He recalled representing six villagers alongside Khaminwa during the Moi era after they were charged with stealing guns from Ndeiya Chief’s Camp in Limuru in an alleged plot to overthrow President Daniel arap Moi. The six were acquitted.

“As for me, I give you my flowers now,” Mr Kipkorir said, recalling that he had been inspired to become a lawyer partly by reading about Khaminwa as a schoolboy.

“You stand out alone as a lawyer who gave his ability, talent, time and courage without asking to be paid. You could have been a billionaire. You chose justice instead.”

Mr Kipkorir said it was unfortunate that Khaminwa has not been bestowed the title of senior counsel.

Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi also congratulated Khaminwa, describing his 53 years of legal practice as exemplary.

Lawyer Omwanza Ombati wrote on X: “Happy 90th birthday Dr John M Khaminwa. You have truly served humanity. Too many more sir. You are a blessing to the profession.”

Law Society of Kenya wrote, " An esteemed legal icon whose contribution to justice and public service has inspired generations.  May your life continue to inspire Kenya and the world."

As he marked the milestone, Khaminwa also remembered his late wife, Justice Joyce, his siblings and his children Anne, Arthur and Angela.

“I love them and I know they love me,” he wrote.

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