Argwings Kodhek
Source: Web (globaleastafrica.org)
Law • Historical Archive • 🇰🇪 Kenya • 0 views

Argwings Kodhek 🇰🇪

C.M.G. Argwings-Kodhek (Known as "Chiedo Mor Gem")
First African Barrister in Kenya, Civil Rights Defender, Cabinet Minister
Born 1923-01-01 🇰🇪 Gem, Kenya
Passed Away 1969-01-29 Nairobi, Kenya
Lifespan 46 years old
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Notice / Correction
"No colonial proclamation can strip a man of his natural right to defend his ancestral inheritance."

Archival Overview

First indigenous African barrister in Kenya who courageously defended hundreds of Mau Mau freedom fighters facing the colonial death penalty, later serving as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Biographical Record

Chiedo Mor Gem Argwings-Kodhek was born in 1923 in Malanga, Gem, Siaya. After studying at Makerere College, he sailed to Britain, graduating in law from the University of South Wales and being called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn in 1951—the first African in Kenya admitted to practice as a barrister.

Returning home, Kodhek set up his legal practice in Nairobi, fearlessly defending hundreds of Mau Mau detainees facing execution in colonial courts without charging legal fees. Founding the Nairobi District African Congress in 1956, he entered the cabinet at independence, serving as Minister for Natural Resources and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs until his mysterious fatal car crash in Nairobi in January 1969.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial
Malanga Family Cemetery
Gem, Kenya
GPS: 0.1000, 34.4500
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