Makau W. Mutua

Makau W. Mutua is a SUNY Distinguished Professor and Margaret W. Wong Professor at the University at Buffalo School of Law. He served as dean of the law school from 2008 to 2014. His research focuses on Public International Law, Human Rights, International Business Transactions, Post-Colonialism, TWAIL, State Reconstruction, Post-Conflict Societies, Constitution-Making, and Transitional Justice. He is a vice president of the American Society of International Law and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Education:

• University of Nairobi
• University of Dar-es-Salaam
• Harvard Law School

Mutua chaired Kenya’s Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission Task Force (2002-2003) and participated in Kenya’s National Constitutional Conference. He has authored books including Kenya’s Quest for Democracy, Human Rights NGOs in East Africa, and Human Rights: A Political and Cultural Critique. His articles appear in outlets like The New York Times and Washington Post. He has led human rights and rule of law missions across Africa, Latin America, and Europe.

Professional Contributions:

• Conducted diplomatic missions and legal reforms in post-conflict regions
• Advocated for transitional justice mechanisms in Africa
• Expert in TWAIL and decolonizing international law