PAUL KIBUGI MUITE
| DATE OF BIRTH | 18 April 1945 |
| GENDER | Male |
| OCCUPATION | Politician, Lawyer |
| FAMILY | Married to Edith Muite, 3 children |
Biography
Paul Muite is a prominent veteran lawyer and an advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over 51 years of practice in the legal field.
Besides being a lawyer, Muite is a prominent politician and founding chairman of the Safina Party.
Legal Career of Paul Muite
Paul Muite was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya in June 1970 and has been serving in legal practice ever since.
He served as the President of the Law Society of Kenya from 1990 to 1991, during a time when the country was fighting for multipartyism in a dictatorial environment.
On March 7, 2003, Muite signed the roll of Senior Counsel which is synonymous to the Queen’s Counsel in the United Kingdom (UK).
For the period he has been in the legal field, the senior lawyer has been involved in several high-profile cases, most recently the 2022 Presidential General Election case, where he represented the Azimio coalition.
He also appeared in the 2017 Presidential Election petition at the Supreme Court, where he represented the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In 2020, the former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Keriako Tobiko appointed him to advise whether there was sufficient evidence to prosecute suspects mentioned in the controversial sale of 5,000 acres of land at the Malili Ranch.
Muite successfully defended an impeachment motion against former Embu Governor Martin Wambora filed by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in 2014.
The experienced lawyer also defended the Media Owners Association in a dispute with the government, where the government sought to have the media switch to digital television.
He is also fondly known for defending the late Professor George Anyona, who was co-accused with several politicians, including Professor Edward Oyugi, Njeru Kathangu, and Ngotho Kariuki, in a 1990 sedition trial.
Political Career of Paul Muite
When discussing the leaders who have fought for political reforms in the country, Muite’s name cannot be overlooked.
His contributions are widely recognized in the Second Liberation Movement and the push for multi-party democracy, where he played a significant role in offering political leadership that upheld the rule of law and championed human rights.
Paul Muite was also a prominent member of the “Young Turks,” a group of vibrant young politicians, lawyers, and activists who were instrumental in Kenya’s second liberation movement during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The Young Turks featured prominent politicians like Raila Odinga, James Orengo, Kiraitu Murungi, Reverend Timothy Njoya, and Lawyer John Khaminwa.
Muite’s legal prowess, combined with his love for politics, propelled him to vie for an elective seat.
He joined Parliament in 1992 as the Member of Parliament for Kabete Constituency and served his constituents until 2007.
During his tenure as an MP, Muite was a member of the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD) and served as the Vice Chairman of FORD Kenya, which was led by the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Muite later founded the Safina Party in 1995, which he is an active member to date.
In the 2013 general elections, the senior lawyer took a stab at the Presidency under the Safina party and lost to Uhuru Kenyatta.
Education Background
Paul Muite is an alumnus of the University of London where he acquired an undergraduate degree in Law.
He also holds a law diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
Muite pursued his primary studies at Kanyariri Primary School and later joined Thika High School.
Awards
He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the HRD Awards 2023 for his extensive legal career and his commitment to upholding human rights principles.
During the same year, he also bagged the Munir Mazrui Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong commitment to human rights.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
