From Fake Lawyer to Advocate: Sonko Celebrates Sharon Atieno’s Historic Admission to Bar
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has celebrated a remarkable legal transformation story—one that has shocked and inspired Kenyans across the country. Sharon Atieno, once arrested and branded a “fake lawyer,” has now been officially admitted to the bar as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Sonko recounted the journey of Sharon Atieno, a young woman whose life took a dramatic turn. Atieno, who once practiced law without formal legal education, has now earned the very credentials many once believed she would never achieve.
“Today I am proud to witness the admission to the bar of advocate Sharon Atieno,” Sonko wrote.
“Atieno at one time was branded a fake lawyer, and was humiliated, arrested and almost gave up. At that time Sharon Atieno had never officially studied law, but her brilliance had already seen her win cases. I was impressed by her brilliance and I undertook to sponsor her to study law. Today, so I stand proud and humbled that Sharon Atieno has officially graduated and been admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. @LSK”
This powerful endorsement from the flamboyant former governor has since gone viral, with thousands applauding both Atieno’s resilience and Sonko’s unexpected act of philanthropy.
From Controversy to Courtroom Triumph
Sharon Atieno first caught the public’s attention after being arrested for posing as a lawyer without formal training. Her arrest caused a media storm, with many mocking her audacity and questioning how someone without a law degree could have successfully argued legal cases.
But beneath the controversy was a brilliant legal mind—one that had gone unnoticed due to lack of access to formal education.
Sonko, never one to shy away from controversy or opportunity, took it upon himself to support the young woman’s dreams. Deeply impressed by her knowledge and confidence in court, he offered to sponsor her through law school. Today, that promise has come to fruition in spectacular fashion.
“Many brilliant minds fail to pursue their dream law careers due to lack of funds,” Sonko stated during a brief ceremony. “I urge the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to also step in and support such students. We must invest in talent regardless of background.”
A Viral Celebration
To mark the special occasion, Sonko and Atieno released an 8-minute celebratory video. In the clip, the two are seen dancing joyfully at an undisclosed location. The video, shared widely on social media, captures a light-hearted moment of triumph after years of struggle, ridicule, and hard work.
The video has been praised for its authenticity and emotional appeal, resonating with many Kenyans who have faced similar barriers in their quest for education and professional recognition.
LSK Urged to Support Aspiring Lawyers
Sonko’s public call to action did not end with celebrating Atieno. He urged the Law Society of Kenya to consider setting up mentorship and scholarship programs to assist bright but underprivileged students who aspire to join the legal profession.
“Sharon’s story is not unique. There are many like her—smart, passionate, determined—but without the money to afford law school. Let us not lose such talent. Let us sponsor them. Let’s guide them,” Sonko emphasized.
Public Reaction
Kenyans online have reacted overwhelmingly positively to the news, with many hailing Sharon Atieno as a symbol of resilience and determination. Others praised Sonko for identifying potential where others saw only scandal.
“Not many leaders would do what Sonko did. He didn’t just tweet support—he paid fees and changed a life,” one X user posted.
Another wrote, “Today I’m inspired. If Sharon Atieno can go from being arrested to being an Advocate, there is hope for all of us.”
Conclusion
Sharon Atieno’s journey from infamy to inspiration is a reminder that brilliance can come from the most unexpected places. With the right support, barriers like poverty and past mistakes can be overcome. Thanks to a second chance and the backing of someone who believed in her, Sharon Atieno now stands tall among Kenya’s legal elite—as a fully qualified Advocate of the High Court.
And in her success, she carries a powerful message: Never let your past define your future.
