Retired Kenyan Judge Lee Muthoga has published his autobiography, Audacity and Sacrifice: My Life and Career, sharing a remarkable narrative that spans nearly eight decades, over 30 of which were dedicated to the legal profession. In a candid recollection of his life and career, Judge Muthoga offers readers an intimate portrait of his formative years, professional milestones, and enduring contributions to Kenya’s legal landscape and the international justice system.
Judge Muthoga’s journey began in 1945, under the shade of a sacred Mugumo (fig) tree in Nyeri, Central Kenya, during the closing days of World War II. His life, like the resilient Mugumo tree that symbolizes longevity and endurance in Kikuyu culture, embodies perseverance and the courage to overcome adversity. Muthoga recalls his early years growing up under colonial rule and facing challenges head-on, as he pursued education despite Kenya’s political upheaval during the British-imposed Emergency period.
Throughout his autobiography, Muthoga recounts his inspiring journey from these humble beginnings to a distinguished career in law, advocating for justice, equality, and the uplifting of marginalized communities. A visionary in the legal profession, he rose to prominence through sheer grit, courage, and sacrifice. In his book, Muthoga describes pivotal moments, including confrontations with school administrations over discrimination, his educational pursuits at the University of East Africa’s Faculty of Law in Dar es Salaam, and his early advocacy for justice, which at times led to his suspension and expulsion.
Muthoga’s early sense of justice fueled his success in law, founding Muthoga & Company Advocates just two years after earning his Bachelor of Laws degree. Over the years, his practice has mentored countless legal professionals, including five judges serving in Kenya’s superior courts. Through testimonials and a pictorial section in his book, Muthoga reflects on the importance of mentorship and community impact, underscoring the value of shaping future generations of legal minds.
Judge Muthoga’s career advanced further with his leadership roles in the Law Society of Kenya, the African Bar Association, and the International Bar Association. His advocacy extended into Kenya’s multi-party politics and children’s rights, where he served as chairman of the African Network for the Prevention and Protection Against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN). Notably, he represented the family of J.M. Kariuki in a Parliamentary Select Committee investigation into Kariuki’s assassination, and he served as lead counsel in a judicial inquiry into former Attorney General Charles Njonjo’s conduct.
His tenacity in pursuing justice reached a pinnacle in 2003 when he was elected as an ad litem judge in the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (UN-ICTR). Over the next nine years, he played a vital role in ensuring accountability for those responsible for the Rwandan genocide. Later, Muthoga was appointed to the tribunal’s successor, the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, solidifying his legacy in international law.
In Audacity and Sacrifice, Muthoga emphasizes key life lessons: defining one’s vision, courageously pursuing goals, and embracing sacrifice. He shares his mother’s wisdom that “nothing of real value has ever been achieved without sacrifice,” a principle that guided his life and career. His story is punctuated with tributes from those he has mentored, such as Justice John Mutungi, who acknowledges Muthoga’s role in shaping Kenya’s legal framework and fostering a generation of capable lawyers and judges.
Renowned lawyer and orator P.L.O. Lumumba, in the book’s foreword, aptly quotes Chinua Achebe, comparing Muthoga’s journey to the resilience and dignity of African royalty: “When you see the mouth of a king, you cannot know that he once suckled his mother’s breasts.” Lumumba commends Muthoga’s unwavering principles and relentless pursuit of justice.
Judge Muthoga’s autobiography is not only a tribute to his accomplishments but also a call to readers to reflect on their own journeys. Through Muthoga’s life story, readers are invited to pursue their aspirations with courage, integrity, and commitment to truth and justice.
