The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has paid tribute to constitutional lawyer and governance expert Mugambi Kiai following his death.
In a statement shared on its X page on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the commission said it was deeply saddened by his passing, which occurred on February 23, 2026.
“The Board and Secretariat of the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) are deeply saddened by the demise of comrade Mugambi Kiai on February 23, 2026. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the wider human rights movement,” the statement read.
KHRC described Kiai as an exceptionally brilliant and fearless constitutional lawyer who played a key role in supporting civic action and democratic reforms across the region. According to the commission, he was a strong and consistent voice for human rights both in Kenya and beyond.
“Mugambi was an exceptionally brilliant and fearless constitutional lawyer and governance expert. He supported civic action and democratic reforms across the region, and was a strong voice for human rights in Kenya and beyond. His legacy will live on in the movements he strengthened, the ideas he shaped, and the courage he inspired. Comrade, rest in power!” KHRC stated.
Tributes also poured in from the legal fraternity, including newly elected Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Charles Kanjama.
Kanjama said he was saddened by the passing of Kiai, whom he described as a distinguished public interest advocate.
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Mugambi Kiai, a distinguished public interest advocate whose work left a lasting mark on constitutionalism and human rights in Kenya,” he said.
He noted that Kiai was consistent in defending civil liberties and was never afraid to speak out when principles were at stake.
“He was consistent in his defence of civil liberties and unafraid to speak where principle demanded. His contribution to the development of our democratic and legal culture will be remembered by many within the profession and beyond,” Kanjama added.
Adding;
“On behalf of the legal fraternity, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends and all those who walked alongside him in the pursuit of justice. May they find comfort during this difficult time.”
