President Kenyatta led the nation in mourning constitutional lawyer Nzamba Kitonga, who died on Saturday aged 64, describing him as a patriotic Kenyan with unmatched legal prowess.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend Senior Counsel Nzamba Kitonga, a fine constitutional lawyer and a trailblazer whose successes in public service are finely documented. We ... are forever indebted to Nzamba and his Committee of Experts for midwifing the 2010 constitution and for his many exploits as a lawyer of high standing,” the President said.

The Head of State said the death of Kitonga is a major blow to Kenya especially now that the country is gearing up for fundamental constitutional reforms through the Building Bridges Initiative.

Former CoE vice-chairperson Atsango Chesoni and member Bobi Mkangi led members of the team in mourning Kitonga’s death.

Ms Chesoni described Kitonga as extremely tolerant, witty humorous and easy going.

“Anything he did, he did so because he believed it was in the best interest of the country. Working with him was great,” Ms Chesoni said. Mr Mkangi said his relationship with Kitonga started before the CoE and they afterwards remained close.

“Nzamba managed to create a family out of the institution ... because of his humility. He managed to gel us and kept the connection 10 years on and we feel as if it was just yesterday that we finalised working on the constitution,” he said of Kitonga.

Mr Mkangi went on: “Because of who he was, it even makes us sadder.

But we celebrate his life, character and demeanour.”

He added: “At the CoE, we were free to speak unlike in some commissions where you never even get to know some players because the chairmen run them as a one-man show. Nzamba was very democratic and power was never attractive to him. He was our mentor.”

US-based law scholar Makau Mutua said Kitonga was the reason why he pursued law as a career. He said he was an extremely generous man.

“He was one of most significant influences on me. I would carry his briefcase to the Kitui Law Courts where he would represent the poor pro bono. I have lost one of my best friends and professional mentors,” Prof Mutua said.

Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo described him as “an icon in the legal circles and a very humble senior counsel.”

“His death is a big blow to the legal fraternity. The majority of us were depending on him to help to navigate the Building Bridges reform agenda,” Mr Kilonzo said.

Chief Justice David Maraga described him as “one of Kenya’s most distinguished legal practitioners and a key pillar in the country’s constitutional journey.”

Former LSK President Isaac Okero said Mr Kitonga personified the noble traditions of professionalism, courtesy and humility.

“He was a giant of the Kenyan bar,” the CJ said.

LSK President Nelson Havi yesterday led the legal fraternity in paying their last respect to Kitonga at the Lee Funeral Home where prayers and viewing was also conducted.

Prof Tom Ojienda described the deceased as a “dedicated professional par excellence.”

64 Constitutional lawyer Nzamba Kitonga’s age when he died.