Kenya lost a legal pillar as well a distinguished leader of its Asian community as it buried today, Zahir Ahmed Malik, SC.
He was the scion of a distinguished family of lawyers whose father founded what is one of Kenya’s oldest law firms, AH Malik Advocates in 1946.
He was 92 and affectionately referred to as our “most” Senior Counsel, being the oldest SC.
His long and exceptional service to law and to Kenya was captured well in the tribute immediately paid by MP Otiende Amolo, himself a pivotal leader of our legal community and defender of the rule of law.
Bhaijan Zahir was a dear mentor to me and was the first lawyer I consulted when I was charged with contempt of Court for a fiery interview Viva magazine did of Wangari Mathai in 1981.
He laughed when I said I wanted to fight the charge! Why do you want to go to jail, he asked?
I then consulted Satish Gautama, and when he laughed too much at my wanting to deny the charge, I pleaded guilty and got off with a fine of $1,000.
Wangari pleaded not guilty and was jailed!
What a different world of justice we live in now! But still a ways to go.
Zahir Malik led a wonderful life, giving so much to so many and left a rich personal legacy marked by affection, respect, and love.
A charismatic and indeed classy person, he naturally drew people to him without ever making an effort.
He qualified from Grays Inn, London in 1954, was an Initial Member of the Standing Committee on Human Rights and intimately involved in the drafting of the Human Rights Act.
He was also Chairman of the Law Society of Kenya, and founder member of the Asian Foundation.
AH Malik Advocates is now headed by his son Muin Malik.
