On World Human Rights Day, 10 December 2016, civil society organisations across Kenya gathered to honor human rights activists in the annual human rights awards, which were held at the Netherlands Embassy in Nairobi. Hundreds attended the event, including diplomats and generations of human rights activists. The awards were coordinated by various groups under the leadership of the National Coalition for Human Rights Defenders of Kenya.

One of the award categories was the Munir Mazrui Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognized extraordinary contributions to human rights in Kenya. Sheikh Munir Mazrui, chairperson of HAKI Africa, presided over the ceremonies. Among the four winners of this Lifetime Achievement Award was Davinder Lamba, executive director of Mazingira Institute. Davinder is also Habitat International Coalition (HIC) Anglophone Africa focal point, Wisdom Keeper and HIC’s most recently serving former president. Also receiving the Munir Mazrui Lifetime Achievement Award were Rev. Dr. Timothy Njoya, human rights activist, theologian, church minister and executive director of Men for the Equality of Men and Women; the late environmentalist and Nobel laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai; and Zarina Patel, a social justice campaigner well known for her almost single handed effort to save Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi from Moi regime-sponsored land grabbers.

The award as announced by the selection committee chaired by former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga. HIC-HLRN congratulates all the winners.

Davinder Lamba’s award certificate

Photo: Sheikh Munir Mazrui and awardees at the award ceremony, 10 December 2010. Source: HAKI Africa.