Supreme Court Judge Hon. Isaac Lenaola was on Wednesday crowned the jurist of the year.
Speaking during the award ceremony at Serena Hotel, Nairobi, former Chairperson of the Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), Njonjo Mue feted Justice Lenaola with the award following his commitment towards enhancing justice and the rule of law.
“We are therefore honoured to present this year’s Jurist of the Year Award to Hon. Justice Isaac Lenaola!
“Judge, ewe hold you up here today with pride, joy and dignity and most of all, with an appreciation for your commitment towards the advancement justice, rule of law and human rights in Kenya,” announce Njue.
The former ICJ Kenya Chair lauded Justice Lenaola for being impartial, fearless and affirming judicial independence throughout his course.
“Indeed, you have affirmed and re-affirmed to the country the importance of judicial independence in enhancing the rule of law and justice which are core pillars of our nation.
“You have consistently, fearlessly and impartially espoused values and ideals of ICJ Kenya and immensely contributed to the promotion and protection of human rights, the rule of law, justice and democracy in Kenya and the African region,” added Njue in the statement read on behalf of the ICJ Kenya JOYA Committee.
In 2018, High Court Judge George Vincent Odunga won the award.
Justice Odunga was honoured for affirming and re-affirming that no one was above the law in his rulings and also ensuring that obedience to the law is demanded as a right and not as a favour.
Chief Justice David Maraga won the award in 2017.
ICJ Kenya confers the annual award to an exemplary and distinguished Jurist.
The award was introduced in 1993, principally to acknowledge and honour the contributions of an exceptional Jurist who has worked selflessly and courageously towards the promotion and protection of human rights, justice, rule of law and good governance in Kenya and also to commemorate the International Human Rights Day.
Jurist of the year is recognized locally, regionally and internationally for dedication to upholding democracy, justice and the rule of law.