Kenya’s first post independence attorney-general Charles Njonjo is dead.

According to his family, Njonjo died aged 101 on Sunday, January 2, at his home in  Nairobi.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, in a statement on Sunday, confirmed the news of Njonjo’s death.

Njonjo’s personal doctor, David Silverstein, who also served late President Daniel Moi, declared him dead at 5:00 a.m. Sunday.

Charles Mugane Njonjo served as Kenya’s first native Attorney-General between 1963 and 1979. He retired at the age of 60.

He was the only surviving independence era cabinet member.

"The passing away of Hon. Njonjo is a big blow not only to his immediate family, friends and relatives but to all Kenyans and indeed, the entire African continent because of his leading role in the founding of the Kenyan nation at independence," Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said.

"As a nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to Hon. Njonjo and his generation of independence era leaders for their selfless contribution to the laying of the solid foundation upon which our country continues to thrive."

Kenya’s joined in eulogizing the man who was popularly referred to as "The Duke of Kabeteshire”.

Njonjo's body was cremated in Nairobi on Sunday as per his request before his death.