Royal Media Services’ chairman, SK Macharia, took to the airwaves on Sunday to offer heartfelt condolences to the family of Charles Njonjo. The former Attorney General, who passed away at the age of 101, had been a fixture of Kenya’s legal and political landscape for more than half a century. Macharia’s message, broadcast across the network’s radio stations, highlighted Njonjo’s “distinguished service” and the loss felt by the nation.
A life steeped in service and controversy
Born on 23 January 1920 in the rural village of Kibichiko, Kikuyu District, Njonwo’s early education set the stage for a groundbreaking career. He excelled at Alliance High School before earning scholarships to King’s College Budo in Uganda and later the University of Fort Hare in South Africa, where many future African leaders studied. Further legal training at the University of Exeter and Gray’s Inn equipped him with the credentials to become Kenya’s first post‑independence Attorney General in 1963.
During his 16‑year tenure, Njonwo advised Presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi on a host of constitutional and criminal matters. He later took on the Justice Ministry from 1978 to 1982, overseeing a period marked by both legal reforms and political tension. In 1980 he entered parliamentary politics as the MP for Kikuyu Constituency, a seat he held until 1983. Throughout these roles, he earned the nickname “The Duke of Kabeteshire” for his aristocratic bearing and commanding presence in the corridors of power.
Nation mourns a founding figure
President Uhuru Kenyatta broke the news of Njonwo’s death on national television, noting that the 101‑year‑old was the sole surviving member of Kenya’s founding government. The announcement sparked an outpouring of tributes from former colleagues, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens who remembered his influence on Kenya’s legal framework.
Within hours of his passing, Njonwo’s body was taken to the Kariakor Crematorium, where a simple cremation ceremony was held on Sunday. The swift proceedings reflected both his personal wishes and the desire of the family to avoid a prolonged public spectacle.
Macharia’s condolence message underscored the personal dimension of the loss. He praised Njonwo as “a beacon of integrity and intellect,” adding that his “legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Kenyan lawyers and public servants.” The chairman’s remarks were met with a plethora of supportive responses on social media, where many users shared memories of listening to Njonwo’s speeches on state radio during the 1970s and 80s.
While opinions on Njonwo’s political legacy remain mixed—some point to his role in consolidating state power, others commend his contributions to Kenya’s legal independence—the consensus is that his death marks the end of an era. As Kenya moves forward, the story of a man who bridged colonial education and post‑colonial governance offers a poignant reminder of the country’s complex history.