Speaking as he proffered the award on Wednesday morning, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga said Justice Ojwang was recognised for his long service in the Judiciary where he adjudicated over a variety of cases.
The Chief Justice pointed out that Justice Ojwang also participated in many international meetings where he made contributions to policy and law making deliberations.
“For this judge, it has been an extraordinary journey in the legal profession serving the academia and the bench. He went to Homa Bay (1965- 1968) and Thika (1969 – 1970) High Schools and then to the University of Nairobi where he earned the LLB (1974) and LL.M (1976) degrees before proceeding to Downing College, University of Cambridge where he earned the PH.D degree specialising in Comparative Constitutional Law,” he cited.
Justice Ojwang on his part stated that he was humbled at being chosen for the prestigious award.
“I served as a High Court Judge in Nairobi and Mombasa for about eight years and I can tell you that I enjoyed it.
What is very special about the High Court which I am missing is that you are a judge of unlimited jurisdiction in Civil and Criminal matters and this is not the case in the Supreme Court where I am now so I am missing it really,” he reminisced.
While expressing his elation, he thanked all those who chose him for the award and stated his appreciation for their vote of confidence.
“I am happy that I came up to the Supreme Court because it has created a little more time for me to think through some of the ideas that I used to work on for so many years as a scholar and as a judge,” he stated. “I can tell you that I truly enjoy my work at the Supreme Court and I do not regret it at all.”
Justice Ojwang was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court on 16th June 2011.