Ask a lawyer:
about ngatia lawyer biography
Biography of Senior Counsel Fred Ngatia
Table of Contents
Introduction
Early Life and Education
Legal Career
Early Career
Landmark Cases
Recognition and Awards
Role in Presidential Election Petitions
Attempt to Become Chief Justice
Personal Life
Conclusion
TLDR
1. Introduction
Fred Ngatia is a prominent Kenyan lawyer known for his extensive experience and involvement in high-profile legal cases. With over four decades of legal practice, Ngatia has established himself as one of Kenya's leading legal minds, particularly in dispute resolution and constitutional law. His career has been marked by significant achievements, including representing former President Uhuru Kenyatta in multiple presidential election petitions.
2. Early Life and Education
Fred Ngatia was born and raised in Kenya. He pursued his legal education at the University of Nairobi, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree. He was among the top six students selected from the Kenya School of Law to join the Attorney General’s office, a testament to his academic excellence and potential in the legal field.
3. Legal Career
3.1 Early Career
Ngatia's legal career began at the Attorney General’s office, where he had to choose between criminal prosecution and civil litigation. He opted for civil litigation, a decision that would shape his future career. His early work involved significant cases, including a boundary dispute between Kenya and Sudan, which he successfully resolved.
(Source: The Elephant ↗)
3.2 Landmark Cases
Ngatia has been involved in several landmark cases that have shaped Kenyan jurisprudence. Some of the notable cases include:
Presidential Election Petitions: Ngatia was the lead counsel for former President Uhuru Kenyatta in the presidential election petitions of 2013 and twice in 2017. These cases were pivotal in defining the legal landscape of electoral disputes in Kenya.
Boundary Dispute: Early in his career, Ngatia played a crucial role in resolving a boundary dispute between Kenya and Sudan, showcasing his expertise in international law and dispute resolution.
(Source: Bizna Kenya ↗)
3.3 Recognition and Awards
Ngatia's legal prowess has earned him numerous accolades. He has been ranked as one of Kenya's best lawyers in dispute resolution by Chambers and Partners. His reputation as a top litigator is well-established, and he has been recognized for his contributions to the legal profession in Kenya.
(Source: Pulselive Kenya ↗)
4. Role in Presidential Election Petitions
Fred Ngatia's role in the presidential election petitions of 2013 and 2017 is perhaps the most notable aspect of his career. He represented former President Uhuru Kenyatta in these high-stakes cases, which were heard by the Supreme Court of Kenya. The 2013 petition was the first of its kind under the new constitution, and Ngatia's legal strategy was instrumental in the court's decision to uphold Kenyatta's victory.
In 2017, Ngatia once again represented Kenyatta in two separate petitions. The first petition resulted in the annulment of the election results, a historic decision by the Supreme Court. Ngatia's legal acumen was on full display during the re-run election petition, where he successfully defended Kenyatta's victory.
(Source: Kenyans.co.ke ↗)
5. Attempt to Become Chief Justice
In 2021, Fred Ngatia was among the candidates interviewed for the position of Chief Justice of Kenya. His extensive legal experience and seniority made him a strong contender for the role. During the interviews, Ngatia was questioned about his relationship with President Uhuru Kenyatta and how it might influence his work if appointed as Chief Justice. Despite his impressive credentials, Ngatia was not selected for the position.
(Source: Nation ↗)
6. Personal Life
Fred Ngatia is known to be a private individual, with little information available about his personal life. He has dedicated much of his life to his legal career, earning respect and admiration from his peers and clients alike. His commitment to the legal profession and his contributions to Kenyan jurisprudence are widely recognized.
7. Conclusion
Fred Ngatia's legal career is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and influence in the Kenyan legal system. From his early days at the Attorney General’s office to his involvement in landmark cases and presidential election petitions, Ngatia has left an indelible mark on the legal landscape of Kenya. His attempt to become Chief Justice, though unsuccessful, highlighted his stature and the respect he commands within the legal community.
8. TLDR
Fred Ngatia is a renowned Kenyan lawyer with over four decades of experience. He has been involved in significant legal cases, including representing former President Uhuru Kenyatta in multiple presidential election petitions. Ngatia's career is marked by numerous accolades and recognition as one of Kenya's top lawyers in dispute resolution.
Sources
Answered by mwakili.com