Ababu Namwamba, a distinguished Kenyan politician and lawyer, has carved a multifaceted path, marked by significant achievements in law, civil society, and politics. His journey is characterized by a commitment to public service, legal prowess, and a passion for social causes.
Early Life and Education
Born on 23rd December 1975 in Jinja, Uganda, Ababu Namwamba’s family relocated to Kenya due to the tumultuous reign of Idi Amin. He attended Milimani Nursery, Port Victoria Primary School, and Kolanya Boys High School. Ababu pursued law at the University of Nairobi, later earning a Master of Laws Degree (LLM) in international law from Washington College of Law, USA.
Family of Ababu Namwamba
The youngest of eight children, Ababu is the son of the late Peter Namwamba Lwecheche and Mama Agatha Maina Namwamba.
Ababu Namwamba Career
Ababu’s foray into advocacy began as a student leader at the University of Nairobi in 1996. He chaired the Kenya Law Students Society and interacted with influential figures, including former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. His passion for diplomacy led him to join Public Law Institute (PLI), where he worked until 2002. Ababu founded the Chambers of Justice and his law firm, Ababu Namwamba Attorneys-at-law, contributing significantly to public interest cases.
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Ababu Namwamba Foundation
In 2003, he established the Ababu Namwamba Foundation, supporting education for young Kenyans. His successful advocacy in a constitution case involving children with HIV/AIDS earned him international recognition, winning the 2004 Global Justice Award in Amsterdam.
Namwamba Political Journey
In 2006, Ababu joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), winning the parliamentary seat for Budalangi constituency in 2007. His political roles included ODM’s parliamentary secretary (2008-2013) and Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs (2012-2013). He later joined the Labor Party of Kenya, becoming its leader.
Despite his support for President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017, Ababu lost his Budalangi seat. Since 2018, he has served as the Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is the Sports CS in President William Ruto’s regime.
Ababu Namwamba Wife and Children
Namwamba is married to Prisca Mwaro, describing her as loving, loyal, and understanding. The couple has four children: Nkosi, Lulu, Tanya-Helena, and Ababu Junior. While there were rumors of marital challenges, Ababu remains focused on his family.
