Former Chief Justice David Maraga was on Friday honoured during Kabarak University’s 19th graduation ceremony.
Maraga was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
In his acceptance speech, the former CJ expressed his happiness saying he was humbled and touched by the honor.
"Throughout my public service, recognition of this magnitude was the least of my expectations. Therefore, I accept my nomination for the award and the high recognition of this degree with immense gratitude," he said.
The award which adds to another one awarded to him by Andrews University in Michigan, USA, is in recognition of his contribution to the legal profession, the varsity said.
He was awarded the degree by the varsity’s pro-chancellor Gideon Moi.
“The Conferment is a fitting recognition of his extraordinary contribution to our nation and the legal profession, spanning forty-five (45) years as an Advocate of the High Court, 13 years of which he spent as Judge of the High Court and Court of Appeal and four (4) years as Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kenya,” reads a statement from the university.
Maraga holds a Master of Laws Degree (LLM) from the University of Nairobi; a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the same University, and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Kenya School of Law.
The varsity further stated that as an advocate of the high court, Maraga served the interests of his clients with diligence and integrity.
"His decision to issue an advisory to the president to dissolve Parliament for its failure to enact legislation required to realise the two-third gender principle was also recognised with the institution referring to him as a courageous suffragist," the statement further reads.
“By this advice, Maraga rekindled our country’s pursuit of the ideals of equality and non-discrimination."
Maraga has also been hailed as a doyen of judges, an untiring servant and an epitome of virtue.
"Maraga's unwavering sense of public duty saw him recently take on another formidable national assignment as the chair of Police Reforms Taskforce, tackling the issue of the welfare of police officers, prisons officers and members of the National Youth Service," the university statement said.