90 and dancing: Veteran lawyer John Khaminwa celebrates birthday in style

Veteran Kenyan lawyer John Khaminwa marked his 90th birthday in style, turning his office into a lively celebration as colleagues and well-wishers joined him in song and dance.

A video shared on X by Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi on Friday, September 11, 2026, captured Khaminwa showing off his dance moves inside his office as those around him sang along.

Dressed in a dark coat, tie and his signature light-coloured hat, Khaminwa could be seen dancing across the tiled office floor as a person playing a keyboard provided live music.

Those gathered joined in singing Mwana wa Mberi, a Luhya song, with some recording the celebration on their phones.

Khaminwa dances at 90

The veteran lawyer appeared in high spirits as he moved to the music, with the people around him clapping, singing and dancing along.

Ahmednasir accompanied the video with a birthday message celebrating Khaminwa’s long career in law.

“Happy 90th Birthday. 53 years of exemplary law practice… congratulations, Dr Khaminwa,” he wrote.

The video offered a glimpse of Khaminwa away from the courtroom as he celebrated the milestone surrounded by colleagues and well-wishers.

53 years in legal practice

Khaminwa has spent more than five decades in legal practice, having started practising law in 1973. He has built a reputation for taking on politically sensitive cases and defending human rights and the rule of law.

During the one-party era, Khaminwa represented people who were critical of the government and was himself detained in 1982. The International Commission of Jurists documented his arrest and described him as a lawyer known for taking cases others were unwilling to handle.

In more recent years, he represented the Kenya Human Rights Commission and Kituo cha Sheria in the legal challenge against the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), appearing before the Supreme Court in the case.

He has also represented lawyer and activist Miguna Miguna in cases challenging his detention and deportation, and represented former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko in Supreme Court proceedings relating to his impeachment.

Khaminwa’s work has also seen him represent clients in constitutional, human rights and governance cases, maintaining a career that has frequently placed him against powerful interests.

In December 2025, the International Commission of Jurists named him Jurist of the Year, recognising his contribution to justice, constitutionalism and the rule of law.

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