Background
He was born on January 23, 1920, at Kibichiku, Kabcte in Kiambu district, the son of ex-Senior Chief Josiah Njonjo, one of the earliest nationalist leaders in the Kikuyu Central Associa¬tion, who became one of Kenya’s great farmers.
He was born on January 23, 1920, at Kibichiku, Kabcte in Kiambu district, the son of ex-Senior Chief Josiah Njonjo, one of the earliest nationalist leaders in the Kikuyu Central Associa¬tion, who became one of Kenya’s great farmers.
Educated at the CMS Mission School, the first to be established in Kikuyuland, before going on to the Alliance High School, Kikuyu and King's College, Budo, Uganda. He then went to Fort Hare University in South Africa where he took a BA in 1946.
Called to the Bar at Gray's Inn in 1954, he returned to Kenya to become Assistant Registrar General in 1955, rising fast in government service to Acting Senior Crown Counsel in 1961; Deputy Public Prosecutor in 1962 and Attorney-General in 1963. In 1964 he became a co-opted, ex-official member of Parliament, where he has acquired a reputation as a legal draftsman. He is particularly proud of an amendment that abolished Kenya's majimbo (regional) constitution and gave the nation a basis for unity.
In 1983 he was forced to resign and left public life, after a judicial inquiry concluded he had abused his office, amid allegations that he was trying to take over the presidency from Moi.
Known for his sporting activities, smart dress and love of sauna baths, he is in fact, a hard worker who likes to get into his office early in the morning.