Ndegwa Njiru, a rising star in the Kenyan legal landscape, hails from Gichugu Constituency in Kirinyaga County.
Born into a family that valued education, his father, a teacher, unknowingly laid the groundwork for Ndegwa’s future career. READ FULL STORY
As a child, Ndegwa accompanied his father to court hearings, fostering his early fascination with the legal system.
“As early as 1993, Mzee, a teacher by profession, used to take us to court and he was mentoring us without knowing it,” Ndegwa reflected in an interview.
Growing up alongside three brothers and two sisters, he developed a strong sense of community and responsibility.
Education
Ndegwa’s academic journey began at Kerugoya Municipality School, followed by Kianyaga High School, where he excelled. His strong performance earned him a place at Kampala International University, where he pursued a law degree. After graduating, he returned to Kenya to complete his legal training at the Kenya School of Law, culminating in his admission to the bar in 2011.
Legal Career
Since his admission, Ndegwa has rapidly established himself as a formidable lawyer, known for his eloquent arguments and strategic courtroom tactics. Within just nine years of practice, he has represented several high-profile clients and notable cases, including:
Kirinyaga MCAs vs. Governor Anne Waiguru: Ndegwa gained significant attention for his adept representation of the Kirinyaga MCAs in their case against Governor Waiguru. His skillful cross-examination of defense witnesses left observers in awe, showcasing his meticulous preparation and ability to craft compelling arguments.
Embu Governor Martin Wambora: Ndegwa successfully represented Wambora during his impeachment, securing court orders for his reinstatement, a testament to his legal prowess and understanding of constitutional law.
Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu: In this case, he argued for Waititu’s reinstatement, contending that proper impeachment procedures were not followed during the swearing-in of Governor James Njoro
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko: Ndegwa is also involved in the impeachment case of Governor Sonko, representing the county assembly and further solidifying his role in significant legal battles.
In addition to these high-profile cases, Ndegwa has been an advocate for legal reform. Alongside LSK council member George Omwanza, he petitioned to allow newly admitted lawyers to establish their own law firms without the previous requirement of a two-year apprenticeship. This initiative aimed to empower young lawyers and promote entrepreneurial spirit within the legal profession.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Ndegwa is also the founder of Ndegwa and Ndegwa Advocates, where he practices law alongside his younger brother and wife. This venture reflects his commitment to building a legacy within the legal field and providing quality legal services to their clients.
Political Aspirations
In 2013, Ndegwa ventured into politics, vying for the Gichugu constituency parliamentary seat under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) party ticket. Though he came in fourth place, his political aspirations highlight his dedication to serving his community and advocating for social justice.
Inspiration and Philosophy
Throughout his journey, Ndegwa Njiru has been inspired by the pioneering lawyer Wairimu Rugaita, whose influence motivated him to pursue a career in law. He believes that lawyers play a crucial role in righting societal wrongs and are essential in fostering social justice, economic growth, and political progress.