The late Dr. Oki Ombaka was a leading jurist, human rights activist and legal scholar.

He was involved in public interest law projects through provision of legal aid, legal policy research focussing on human and civil rights governance, environmental and consumer protection. He pioneered a human rights NGO when civic space was limited and was instrumental in the setting up of various human rights organizations in Kenya. He inspired and nurtured a whole generation of human rights activists. Eventually Dr. Ombaka took his work on public interest law to the Kenyan Parliament, where he was a Member of Parliament for one five year term.

Dr. Ombaka lectured in Universities of Nairobi and Harvard on international human rights law, international humanitarian law and other related subjects. He also worked with various international organizations in furtherance of human rights, gender and development issues. Dr. Ombaka published several books on various legal issues in Kenya and the international arena.

Dr. Ombaka received the jurist of the year award jointly with Professor Yash Pal Ghai in recognition of his work as a leading jurist, human rights activist and legal scholar. In particular, he was instrumental in the formulation of a unified and inclusive constitution review process that bestowed legitimacy and widespread support to the process.

At the time of his death, he was the First Vice Chairperson of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission. His work continues through the various human rights activists he mentored and organizations he helped found.