Thispaper sought to highlight the life and work ofJoseph Merinyo, usinghistorical-biographical and ethnoanthropological approach. The main tools used in datacollection were interviews, discussions, and literature analysis.Serving the society as a houseboy, clerk, store keeper,interpreter and informant, Joseph Merinyo rose from being asimple villager to a high-profile nationalist and freedom fighter– working closely with local chiefs, foreign researchers andadministrators. The main finding of the paper was that Merinyowas a patriot, nationalist, and a frontline activistwhounwaveringly fought for social justice and human rights. Keyterms (patriot, nationalist, justice, kingmaker, human rights,and diplomacy) were defined according to the context of thepaper and it was concluded that hard work, socialcommitment, and self-sacrifice were virtues which elevatedMerinyo to international stature and reputation. Studyingpeople like Joseph Merinyo enables members of the society,the younger generation in particular, understand the legacy ofAfrican makers of history. As a challenge and invitation forfuture research, two recommendations were made. First, it isnecessary to study important persons like Joseph Merinyobecause such studies help to interpret Africa to the outsideworld; and second, African heroes and heroines should bestudied – not only to satisfy historical curiosity but also tobenefit from the immeasurable insights packed in the historyof their lives.