Maraga mourns death of Human Rights activist Mugambi Kiai
By Cynthia Lodite, February 23, 2026Former Chief Justice David Maraga has paid tribute to human rights activist the late Mugambi Kiai, describing him as one of Kenya’s indefatigable human rights and social justice champions.
In a post on his official X account on Monday, February 23, 2026, while mourning Kiai, Maraga said that he will be remembered for his controbution to Kenya’s governamce.
On his part, Maraga hailed Kiai for being a passionate, principled, and thoughtful leader and a patriot who played a consequential role in the struggle for democracy and good governance in Kenya.
“I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of one of Kenya’s indefatigable human rights and social justice champions, Mr. Mugambi Kiai. Mugambi will be remembered as a passionate, principled, and thoughtful leader and patriot who played a consequential role in the struggle for democracy and good governance in Kenya,” Maraga said.
Maraga went on describing him as a lawyer by training who devoted nearly three decades to advancing human rights, the rule of law, justice, and democracy in Kenya as well as across the region.
“A lawyer by training and a journalist by calling, Mugambi devoted nearly three decades to advancing human rights, the rule of law, justice, and democracy in Kenya and across the region. His courage, clarity of thought, and unwavering commitment to constitutionalism leave an enduring legacy,” he added.
In addition, Maraga noted that he will be remembered for his contribution to the struggle for the birth, implementation, and protection of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, noting that as the Regional Director for Eastern Africa at Article 19, he stood firmly for freedom of expression, free media, public accountability, and democratic governance until his last day.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May his soul rest in eternal peace. And may his legacy continue to inspire new generations of patriots and servant leaders,” Maraga said.
Kiai’s death
Mugambi, who is the brother of lawyer and activist Maina Kiai, died after struggles with unexpected kidney failure.
Confirming the death, his sister Wambui Kiai said that he died on Monday, February 23, 2026 morning.
Notably, his battle with kidney failure saw him undergo a transplant in March last year.