How Danstan Omari went from deputy head-teacher to top lawyer in Kenya

Danstan Omari has become a well-known name in the Kenyan legal fraternity. Lately, he has been representing former cabinet secretary for Internal Security Fred Matiang’i.

With a number of his clients facing criminal accusations, Omari is widely being seen as the new occupier of the criminal law position that has been dominated by lawyer Cliff Ombeta.

What most people do not know, though, is that Omari made his entry into law in his later years.He had started out in the teaching profession. How did he end up doing law? Well, let us take a look at his biography:

Early Life and Education

Danstan Omari was born and raised in Nyamira County, Kenya. He attended St. Peter’s Nyakemincha Secondary School, where he excelled in his studies. 

After completing his high school education, he joined Kenyatta University, where he studied education and graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree.

Teaching Career

After graduating from university, Danstan Omari started his teaching career as a deputy head teacher at a local primary school in Nyamira County. He was passionate about education and loved working with children. He was dedicated to ensuring that the children in his school received the best education possible.

Law School and Career in Law

Despite his passion for teaching, Danstan Omari had a burning desire to pursue a career in law. In 2009, he enrolled at the Kenya School of Law to study law. He graduated in 2011 and was admitted to the bar the same year. He started his legal career as an associate at a law firm in Nairobi.

In 2012, he founded his law firm, Danstan Omari & Co. Advocates. His firm focuses on criminal, human rights, and constitutional law. He has represented high-profile clients, including politicians and celebrities, in high-stakes legal cases.

On why he chose law, Omari once said,” I chose law because I felt I must have been born to be a lawyer, so I developed the passion to pursue law. 

Although some incidents did happen that made me unable to follow the course of justice, I strongly believe that I wanted to do law from day one,” 

Danstan Omari is also a legal analyst and commentator in the Kenyan media. He is a regular guest on various TV and radio programs, providing legal analysis and commentary on current legal issues in the country.

Philanthropy and Community Service

Danstan Omari is passionate about giving back to his community. He is involved in various philanthropic activities and community service initiatives. He is the founder of the Danstan Omari Foundation, which aims to provide education and mentorship to young people from underprivileged backgrounds. 

Matiang’i: My heartfelt letter to Kenyans as I leave my job to Kindiki

The foundation has provided scholarships to hundreds of students and has supported various community development projects.

Personal Life

Danstan Omari is a family man. He is married to his wife, Lucy, and they have three children. Despite his busy schedule as a lawyer and philanthropist, he always makes time for his family. 

He is also an avid sports fan and loves watching and playing football.