NAIROBI, Kenya- Lawyer Donald Kipkorir has recalled how a politically charged case involving six poor villagers brought him together with veteran human rights advocate Dr John Khaminwa for the first time.
Sharing the story as Khaminwa marked his 90th birthday, Kipkorir said he was still a rookie lawyer when the two were instructed to represent six Kikuyu men accused of stealing firearms from the Ndeiya Chief’s Camp in Limuru.
The case unfolded during the administration of President Daniel arap Moi, when political dissent was heavily suppressed.
According to Kipkorir, the six villagers were accused of stealing the firearms as part of a plot to overthrow Moi’s government. He maintained that they were innocent residents selected for prosecution to discourage opposition to the administration.
“These were simple and poor villagers that were picked to be sacrificed by the system to deter opposition to Moi,” Kipkorir said.
The accused turned to Khaminwa and Kipkorir for legal representation, placing the young lawyer alongside an advocate whose courtroom work he had followed since childhood.
Despite pressure from the State, Kipkorir said the court remained courageous and eventually acquitted the six villagers.
The case became the foundation of a friendship and professional relationship between the two lawyers that has survived for decades.
“Our mutual respect remained from then up to now,” Kipkorir said.
Kipkorir revealed that Khaminwa’s work had partly inspired him to study law. As a primary school pupil, he regularly encountered stories about the human rights lawyer in newspapers.
He praised Khaminwa for accepting difficult cases, defending people without demanding payment and consistently placing justice above personal financial gain.
“You stand out alone as a lawyer who gave his ability, talent, time and courage without asking to be paid,” Kipkorir wrote. “You could have been a billionaire. You chose justice instead.”
Kipkorir also expressed disappointment that Khaminwa had not been granted the rank of Senior Counsel despite his long contribution to Kenya’s legal profession.
He said the country should recognise and celebrate the veteran lawyer while he is still alive, instead of waiting to honour him after his death.
“The legal fraternity that hasn’t given you your rightful place in the pantheon of our greatest legal minds will fall over each other praising you,” Kipkorir said.
“As for me, I give you my flowers now. You gave us all. Happy 90th birthday, my friend,” he said.
