Miguna Miguna is a prominent Kenyan-Canadian attorney, author, and political activist known for his outspoken and often controversial views. Born on December 31, 1962, in Magina, Nyando District, Nyanza Province, Kenya, Miguna has had a dynamic career that spans law, politics, and literature.
Early Life and Education
He grew up in Magina, where he attended Apondo Primary School before moving on to Onjiko Secondary School. His academic prowess earned him a spot at Njiiri School for his A-Levels. He later joined the University of Nairobi, where he studied for a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and literature. However, his education was interrupted in 1987 when he was arrested and detained for his involvement in pro-democracy activities during the Moi regime.
Miguna Miguna Exile and Further Education
Following his release, Miguna fled to Tanzania and then to Swaziland (now Eswatini), before eventually settling in Canada in 1988. In Canada, he pursued further education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and philosophy from the University of Toronto. He then went on to obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 1995 and began practicing law in Toronto.
Career in Law and Writing
Miguna has practiced law in Canada and Kenya, focusing on areas such as constitutional law, human rights, and immigration. He is also a prolific writer, known for his critical and often provocative commentaries on Kenyan politics. Some of his notable works include “Peeling Back the Mask: A Quest for Justice in Kenya” (2012) and “Kidneys for the King: Deforming the Status Quo in Kenya” (2013). These books offer a scathing critique of Kenya’s political landscape and have sparked significant public debate.
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Return to Kenya and Political Career
In 2007, Miguna returned to Kenya and became an adviser to Raila Odinga, then the Prime Minister of Kenya, serving as a senior advisor on coalition affairs. However, his tenure was fraught with controversy, and he was suspended in 2011 under unclear circumstances. His subsequent fallout with Odinga led to the publication of his explosive memoir, “Peeling Back the Mask,” which detailed his experiences and accusations of corruption within the Kenyan government.
Miguna Miguna Deportations and Legal Battles
Miguna’s outspoken nature and political activities have often put him at odds with the Kenyan government. In 2018, he played a key role in the unofficial swearing-in of Raila Odinga as the “People’s President” following disputed elections. This act led to his arrest and subsequent deportation to Canada, despite being a Kenyan citizen by birth. His deportation sparked widespread condemnation and a series of legal battles aimed at securing his return to Kenya.
Advocacy and Personal Life
Despite the challenges he has faced, He remains a vocal advocate for democracy, justice, and the rule of law in Kenya. He continues to engage in political discourse through his writings, social media, and public appearances.
Miguna is married and has children. He splits his time between Canada and Kenya, maintaining his legal practice while continuing to be an influential and controversial figure in Kenyan politics. His resilience and unwavering commitment to his principles have earned him both staunch supporters and fierce critics, cementing his place as a significant figure in the ongoing narrative of Kenya’s political evolution.
