"I never wore jeans or went clubbing in campus", says Prof Lumumba

While in campus, I believed in what I believe right now. That is, I was a slave of my conscience, and not the adolescent tantrums that are common among college students nowadays. I never took part in any strike. I knew that my mind could think something better than being subjected to believe that violence gives birth to solutions.

Right from my Hall 9 No. 413 room at the University of Nairobi where I stayed, I took it upon myself to practice freedom and discipline. I could clean it myself.

I woke up early for classes. I never had a case of indiscipline at all. All through my university days, I had to go to church every Sunday at the All Saints Cathedral, something that nourished my Christian faith so well.

I could see many kinds of fashion in college, some funny, some disgusting. Given who I was, I never wore jeans, and to date, I don’t own one. I started donning bishop suits I am known for today while in campus. It became my trademark.

I remained focused in my studies, and one of my favourite lecturers was (the late) Prof H.W.O. Okoth-Ogendo, who taught me land law. Besides, I loved to read. I read widely and wildly.

My colleagues used to drink and go clubbing, but that was not my thing. I never went to a club nor tasted any alcoholic drink. I was a teetotaler, apart from an occasional glass of wine.

My colleagues would ask me why I would not join them, and I always told them that I am simply a prisoner of my conscience!

While in third year, I started dating Celestine, now my wife, who was in second-year then. I was faithful to her and later, we married. Though I dated, I put lots of effort to my academic work and that is why I graduated with a First Class honours in law in 1985.

Prof PLO Lumumba is a renowned lawyer, lecturer, former KACC director and current Director, Kenya School of Law.