Veteran Kenyan lawyer John Khaminwa has marked his 90th birthday by reflecting on his life journey, family background and education.
In a letter dated September 10, Khaminwa thanked God for blessing him with good health as he celebrated the milestone
The veteran lawyer was born on September 10, 1936, in Masiyenze, a Quaker village at the bottom of Kimingini Hill in Kakamega.
He paid tribute to his late father, Ralph Shihemi Asiabugwa Khaminwa, whom he said was educated at Kaimosi Missionary School and played an important role in his early education.
“I take this opportunity to thank my late father, Ralph Shihemi Asiabugwa Khaminwa, who was educated at Kaimosi Missionary School and personally took the trouble to teach me reading, writing and arithmetic in my early years at home,” read part of the letter.
Veteran Lawyer Reveals His Family History
Khaminwa said his father was a school teacher in Musingu and Kakamega and had been educated at Kaimosi. His mother, Rasoah Muhonjia Khaminwa, was a housewife who was born and brought up in Maragoli.
Also Read: John Khaminwa Wins Jurist of the Year at 87 But He is Not Senior Counsel
He also recalled his uncle, Zakariah Igaida, and his wife, Reba.
The veteran lawyer listed his brothers and sisters in the birthday message, remembering those who have died and identifying those who are still alive.
His late brothers were Japheth, Reuben, Thomas, Mujidi, Major and Charles Ford, while his surviving brothers are David Muyembe and James Aluvale.
His late sisters were Khagasa and Judith Eramoga, while Beatrice Ijereha is his surviving sister.
Khaminwa also paid tribute to the teachers who guided him through his early education.
He thanked his teachers at primary schools in Masiyenze, Makhokho, Musingu and Kakamega.
He also remembered his teachers at the Government African School Kakamega, as it was known during the colonial period, and at Alliance High School, Kikuyu.
Remembering his Late Wife and Son
Khaminwa also used the birthday message to remember his late wife, Lady Joyce, whom he said was from Kiamaliga in Nyeri.
He described her as a wonderful wife and said he still misses her company and love.
“I thank members of my own small family for their love and company, who include the late Lady Joyce, my wife from Nyeri Kiamaliga, a wonderful wife whose company and love I continue to miss.”
He also remembered his eldest son, Albert Shihemi, who is deceased.
Khaminwa said he continues to enjoy the company of his children Anne, Arthur and Angela.
Also Read: John Khaminwa Profile: Education Background, Family, Career & Networth
“I miss my eldest son, the late Albert Shihemi. I thank the Almighty God that I continue to enjoy the company of Anne, Arthur, and Angela as my children. I love them, and I know they love me,” stated John.
Khaminwa concluded his birthday message by wishing Kenyans, his learned friends and friends abroad a happy birthday.
Who is John Khaminwa
John Khaminwa holds an LL.B. from London University, an LL.M. in International Law from New York University, an LL.D. from Haverford and a D.D. from International University California.
Khaminwa is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, as well as an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda and an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania.
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) named veteran lawyer Dr. John Khaminwa its 2025 Jurist of the Year, recognizing his long-standing work in promoting justice, human rights and the rule of law.
In a statement issued on December 11, the ICJ said the award recognised Khaminwa’s lifelong commitment to these principles.
The commission also praised the veteran lawyer for the courage and integrity he has demonstrated throughout his career, describing the qualities as essential to building a just society.
“Congratulations, Dr. John Khaminwa, for being the 2025 Jurist of the Year. We hold you up today with pride, gratitude, and immense respect for your lifelong commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law,” read part of the statement.
Despite Khaminwa’s decades of practice and an illustrious career, he is not a Senior Counsel.
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