For Dr John Khaminwa, turning 90 was more than a birthday celebration. It was a moment to pause and remember the people who shaped his life, the lessons that guided him and the loved ones whose absence he still feels.
The veteran lawyer marked the milestone on Thursday, September 10, 2026, with a personal reflection that took him back to his childhood, his parents, school years, family life and faith.
A video circulating online showed Khaminwa dancing to Luhya tunes in his office as he celebrated reaching the milestone.
“Today is my Happy Birthday. I am now 90 years old. I thank the Almighty God, I thank him for his blessings of good health,” he said.
Born on September 10, 1936, in Masiyenze, a Quaker village at the foot of Kimingini Hill in Kakamega, Khaminwa began his recollection with the family that raised him.
His father, Ralph Shihemi Asiabugwa Khaminwa, was educated at Kaimosi Missionary School before becoming a teacher at Musingu and Kakamega.
Khaminwa said his father played an important role in starting his education, personally teaching him reading, writing and arithmetic while he was still young.
“I take this opportunity to thank my late father Ralph Shihemi Asiabugwa Khaminwa educated at Kaimosi Missionary School and personally took the trouble to teach me reading, writing and arithmetic in my early years at home,” he said.
His mother, Rasoah Muhonjia Khaminwa, came from Maragoli, a background she was proud of and often reminded her son about.
Khaminwa recalled her light-heartedly, saying she would remind him that she was “a Maragoli and not a Kakamega like my father.”
From his early lessons at home, Khaminwa went on to attend several schools, remembering the teachers who played a part in his education.
He paid tribute to teachers at primary schools in Masiyenze, Makhokho, Musingu and Kakamega, as well as those at the Government African School Kakamega, the name used during the colonial period.
He also remembered his teachers at Alliance High School, Kikuyu, where his education continued.
But his 90th birthday was also a time to remember family members who have died.
Among those he recalled was his late wife, Lady Joyce, whom he described as “a wonderful wife” from Nyeri Kiamaliga.
Her death remains a deeply personal loss for Khaminwa, who remembered the companionship and love they shared.
He also paid tribute to his eldest son, the late Albert Shihemi, while reflecting on other members of his family who have passed on.
Despite these losses, Khaminwa said he remained thankful for the children who continue to be part of his life.
“I thank the Almighty God that I continue to enjoy the company of Anne, Arthur, and Angela as my children. I love them and I know they love me,” he said.
His memories extended to his late brothers Japheth, Reuben, Thomas, Mujidi, Major and Charles Ford, as well as his late sisters Khagasa and Judith Eramoga.
He said his surviving siblings include his brothers David Muyembe and James Aluvale and his sister Beatrice Ijereha.
Khaminwa's long career has also been supported by extensive academic training. He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and holds an LL.B from the University of London and an LL.M in International Law from New York University.
Yet as he celebrated nine decades of life, his thoughts were firmly on the people and experiences that came before his professional achievements.
His reflection brought together memories of his parents, teachers, wife, children and siblings, alongside his appreciation for the role of faith in his life.
Khaminwa closed his message by extending birthday wishes to Kenyans, particularly fellow lawyers, as well as friends living abroad.
“Again, ‘Happy Birthday’ to Kenyans particularly my learned friends and friends abroad,” he concluded.