On 28 August 2025, Kabarak Law School hosted the Kabarak University Law Students’ Alumni Association for an Alumni Homecoming and 15th Anniversary Celebration, marking 15 years since the School of Law’s establishment. Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba, Founding Dean of Kabarak Law School and Chief Guest of the event, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, where they discussed the continued growth and development of the School of Law.
The moderators—Mr. Kelly Malenya, Head of Department at Kabarak Law School, along with alumnae Ms. Marion Bii and Ms. Marion Joy Ochangwa—guided the uplifting tone of the day’s programme at Sawia Auditorium, interspersing it with storytelling.
Rev. Justus Mutuku, Acting Provost of Kabarak University, opened the event with a devotion based on 2 Corinthians 5:16-20, which calls all believers to be Christ’s ambassadors. He emphasised five key pillars: strengthening personal faith, investing in healthy relationships, engaging others with curiosity, sharing one’s testimony, and creating opportunities for others to encounter God.
Prof. J. Osogo Ambani, Dean of the School of Law, expressed gratitude to Vice Chancellor Prof. Henry Kiplangat for his unwavering support, and to Prof. Lumumba for his mentorship and enduring contributions to the school. He recalled the personal scepticism surrounding his appointment as Dean in 2020, jokingly referencing President Barack Obama’s 2011 address at the House of Commons—where Obama appeared after dignitaries like the Queen of England, the Pope, and Nelson Mandela—wondering if stepping into the shoes of former deans like Prof. Lumumba, Justice (Dr) Fred Nyagaka, Prof. Musili Wambua, Mr. Justus Otiso, Mr. Elisha Ongoya, and Dr. Fancy Too was “either a very high bar or the beginning of a very funny joke.” Time would tell. He then invited the alumni to partner with the School’s mission on cutting-edge interdisciplinary research through funding projects, teaching and coaching moot court teams, and devoted community service through supporting the legal clinic.
In his warmly humorous welcome remarks, Mr. Arnold Magina, Leader of the Kabarak Law School Alumni Association, shared his experience as a student from the pioneering class of 2010. He expressed gratitude to God for an easy student journey and felt privileged to have had his name called by Prof. Lumumba during graduation. Reflecting on the Alumni Association’s legacy, he urged leadership and members to prioritize the interests of Kabarak University.
Prof. Mellitus Wanyama, Director of Alumni & Strategic Linkages at Kabarak University and Founding Dean of the School of Music and Media, commended Kabarak Law School for establishing a vibrant alumni network that set a precedent for other faculties.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Henry Kiplangat praised the initiative behind the homecoming and shared his vision for a university-wide alumni association. He also reaffirmed his ambition to have a Master of Laws programme approved soon, underscoring Kabarak University’s commitment to academic innovation and leadership.
The highlight of the day was Prof. Lumumba’s Chief Guest Address, where he traced his journey to becoming the School’s founding Dean. He recalled a defining moment in 1984 when, while accompanying Former President Daniel Arap Moi to Tanzania, he impressed President Julius Nyerere with his fluent Swahili. This encounter earned him recognition from President Moi, sparking a lifelong friendship that eventually led to his appointment as Founding Dean of Kabarak Law School in 2010. Prof. Lumumba praised the School’s remarkable achievements over 15 years and challenged the audience to “Rise and shine until the world cannot ignore your greatness.” His address received a standing ovation.
In the afternoon, Justice (Dr) Fred Nyagaka, Judge of the Environment and Land Court and Founding Coordinator of Kabarak Law School, delivered an inspiring reflection. He recounted the School’s humble beginnings, describing the early struggles when success seemed uncertain, and credited faith, determination, and Prof. Lumumba’s leadership for transforming the vision into the thriving institution it is today.
Two panel discussions followed:
- Past Students’ Panel, chaired by Ms. Lorraine Kosgei with Mr. Koira Peter, Mr. Arnold Magina and Ms. Joyce Biwott, highlighted professional lessons from their time at Kabarak. Their stories demonstrated how the School of Law prepared them not only for the legal profession but also instilled values that continue to shape their leadership and service.
- Current Students’ Panel, chaired by Ms. Nelly Ptiso with Ms. Asheen Chepkosgei, Mr. Bernard Ouma, and Ms. Jane Corazone Odhiambo, reflected on the School’s ongoing impact on student experiences.
Later, Prof. Ambani presented a pictorial slideshow titled “Present and Future of Kabarak Law School” and outlined plans to introduce three Master’s programmes: Judicial Science, Commercial Arbitration, and Mediation & Negotiation.
The closing devotional thought and thanksgiving prayers by Rev. Mutuku, based on Exodus 15, symbolised a season of victory for the School of Law.
The celebrations concluded with Tour of the Law School Museum and a networking barbecue at the Amphitheatre, where alumni, faculty, students, and guests fellowshipped together—demonstrating the strength of the alumni community and its central role in the continued success of Kabarak Law School.
This milestone marked not only 15 years of legal scholarship at Kabarak University but also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to holistic education grounded in academic excellence, service to God and humanity. The Alumni Homecoming was a testament to the vibrant and growing alumni body, whose achievements reflect the impact of Kabarak University’s vision in Kenya and beyond.
