Ghai inspires hope for the rule of law, basic rights and democracy

Constitutional Expert Prof Yash Pal Ghai. [File Standard]

This past Wednesday, pro-democracy and human rights activists and defenders gathered in Nairobi to celebrate and honour the venerable Yash Pal Ghai for a lifetime of service to human rights, rule of law and democracy. At 81, that is a lifetime of work, and it was thought better to honour him now when he can hear our collective respect.

The tribute was long overdue, and I was sad I could not make it. Because Yash is the gold standard for anyone involved in working for real change in Kenya. And unlike no one else in his generation, Yash has been consistent, predictable, persistent and focused. Human though he is, Yash has never been found on the wrong side of progressive change, even at great personal cost. That is something few can ever claim.