Justice Grace Mumbi Ngugi, a judge of the high court, currently serving in the Anti-corruption and Economic Crimes Division of the High Court is set to receive the coveted Global Jurist of the Year Award on February 16.
Through a webinar organized by the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law’s Center for International Human Rights (CIHR), Justice Mumbi will also be interviewed by the Honorable Ann Williams, retired U.S. Circuit Judge, about the her (Mumbi’s) life-long commitment to human rights, marginalized populations, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Global Jurist of the Year Award is designed to honor a sitting judge, whether in an international or national court, who has demonstrated in his or her career courage in the face of adversity to uphold and defend fundamental human rights or the principles of international criminal justice.
Jurists from all nations and tribunals are eligible for consideration.
According to the interim director of CIHR Thomas F. Geraghty, Justice Mumbi Ngugi was chosen to receive this award as she is a role model to their faculty and for students who aspire to be like her.
“It is important that we bring to our University community distinguished practitioners and scholars who not only speak and write, but those who courageously work to implement human rights on the front lines,” said Thomas F. Geraghty.
On February 18, Justice Mumbi Ngugi will engage members of the Northwestern community in conversations about pressing human rights issues in the U.S. and abroad.
Justice Ngugi will also provide advice to students about the various ways in which human rights advocates can make a difference.
Prior to her present posting, Justice Ngugi served as the Presiding Judge, High Court of Kenya- Kericho and in the Constitutional and Human Rights Division in Nairobi.
In the last nine years, she has been involved in the emerging human rights jurisprudence in Kenya, particularly in relation to the social economic rights guaranteed in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
Justice Ngugi is a long-time advocate of human rights in Kenya. She has been involved in advocacy work for the rights of women and children, as well as the housing rights of the urban poor.
She has also been a prominent activist for the rights of persons with albinism in Kenya.