President, DP Ruto Mourn Kenya’s First AG Charles Njonjo

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto have sent messages of condolence to the family, friends, and relatives of former attorney-general Charles Njonjo.

Hon Njonjo, the only surviving member of Kenya’s independence Cabinet, passed away on Sunday morning, 2nd January at the age of 101 years.

In his condolence messages, President Kenyatta said the passing away of Hon Njonjo was a big blow not only to his immediate family, friends and relatives but to all Kenyans and indeed, the entire African continent because of his leading role in the founding of the Kenyan nation at independence.
“As a nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to Hon. Njonjo and his generation of independence era leaders for their selfless contribution to the laying of the solid foundation upon which our country continues to thrive,” the President said.

“Kenya’s progressive constitutional and legal regime owes its robustness to Hon Njonjo’s splendid work when he served as the country’s first post-independence Attorney General between 1963 and 1979, and as Constitutional Affairs Minister between 1980 and 1983.”

The Head of State prayed for God’s grace as the country mourns one of its greatest heroes.

“On behalf of the Kenyan nation, my family and on my own behalf, I send deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives of Hon. Njonjo, and indeed all Kenyans. May God the Almighty grant each one of us grace and fortitude as we mourn and come to terms with the passing away of Hon. Charles Mugane Njonjo who was not only our national hero but an icon of Kenya’s progress through the years.”

For his part, Deputy President William Ruto mourned Njonjo as a leader who devoted his life in serving our country in pre-and post-independent Kenya as a civil servant, Attorney-General, Kikuyu MP and Constitutional Affairs Minister.

“He was knowledgeable, blunt and a dedicated advocate for the causes he believed in. We will miss his wisdom, company and warmth,” said DP Ruto.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Njonjo family, their loved ones and all those who knew and worked with him. Rest In Peace, Sir Njonjo.”