Lawyer Danstan Omari is among the most renowned lawyers in the country today and is known for his political insights on television and representing high-profile individuals in court.
He is famed for his unique approach in tackling cases in the corridors of justice and often brings a perspective that has always humoured the courts.
According to reports, Omari was the first litigator to conduct a divorce case on live television. Prior to that, the cases were considered intimate and never heard beyond courtrooms.
He has represented prominent individuals across the country on various capacities, building a solid repertoire for himself. He was reportedly admitted to the bar about 12 years ago.
In that period, Omari has represented Deputy President William Ruto in the infamous Abby case, former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama in his divorce case, late Dutch tycoon Tob Cohen, and controversial private investigator Jane Mugo.
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A few others include Marriane Kitany in her divorce case, former Nyandarua Governor Waithaka Mwangi, Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, magistrate Edgar Kagoni and controversial preacher Bishop David Gakuyo of Ekeza Sacco.
Lawyer Danstan Omari
His reputation has made him a go-to for any famous person in trouble. He represents clients in cases ranging from corruption, family to murder. There is a high probability that you will see him on TV representing one party in a high-profile case.
However, Omari’s current stature overshadows the turbulent path he walked to earn his seat at the big table.
From a young age, he always wanted to become a lawyer, but his dream was nearly cut short when his former high school principal colluded with his parent to change his entry law degree to Bachelor of Education. This was because no one from the school had ever been admitted to pursue law.
Left with no option, Omari joined Kenyatta University and graduated as a teacher in 1990. Despite all this, he was still passionate about becoming a lawyer.
“Some of my classmates, you can see them all over, having made it in life. They include Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, who was my classmate in secondary and university, Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, political analyst Herman Manyora and Planning PS Saitoti Torome,” Omari told the Star.
He was posted to Kiabonyoru Secondary School, Nyamira County in 1992 and proceeded to teach at the school for more than 10 years.
In 2005, the former high school deputy principal enrolled himself at the University of Nairobi to pursue a degree in law. Omari commuted from Muthurwa Secondary School in Kiambu to attend lectures at UoN daily.
“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,” he recalled.
At the second year of law school, Omari got a job as a children’s officer in Kirinyaga, from which he also commuted on a daily basis to attend classes.
Omari graduated with a law degree in 2008. In 2009, he enrolled at the Kenya School of Law for his Law Diploma and also enrolled for a master’s degree at UoN.
Though he had to cover great distances on a daily basis just to attend lessons, his passion to become a lawyer outweighed, the challenges.
Lawyer Danstan Omari
Omari apart from being the renowned lawyer that he is, has lectured at the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) since 2012. He teaches professional ethics, jurisprudence, consumer rights, and rights of a child.
Though he maintains that he does not miss being a high school teacher, he admits that the experience shaped him into becoming one of the country’s most sought-after lawyers.
“I don’t miss teaching. The fact is I outgrew teaching, but I still love imparting knowledge to young people, and that’s why I teach at Catholic University of East Africa.
“Teaching helped me to develop some skills that are not available in law, such as philosophy, critical thinking, sociology, child development and how to be a good listener,” he stated.
Omari dismissed ever fearing for his life or feeling threatened due to the nature of his work. He maintains that he is honest with his clients and passionate about his job.
“I don’t think there is ever a dangerous case to an advocate because there is no personal interest in all these matters that we handle. But there are some cases that end badly,” he stated, noting the Tob Cohen case where the Dutch tycoon, whose was his client, was murdered and his body disposed of in a septic tank.
The lawyer stated that his services are affordable to Kenyans of all walks of life.
“Well, I will charge fees because I don’t work for free. Of course there are limits and guidelines on how much fees we should charge, but I also do pro bono cases in the children’s court. In a week, I handle two to three matters for free, representing kids who don’t have school feels or can’t get food.
“I believe if you don’t pay an advocate very well, he or she will not be motivated to perform. For example, in my case, I report on my desk here at 5.30am and I leave at around 10 or 11pm, preparing and doing research,” Omari stated.
He conceded that his days as a teacher and also working in the children’s office exposed him to a lot of family issues which he says make him really good at handling family matters.
“As a teacher, I dealt with a lot of family issues. I was a counsellor, a deputy principal and I got to understand society can’t function without the family unit.
“After I left teaching, I became a children’s officer and worked with families as a government officer. So by the time I started practising as an advocate, I was well grounded on the laws on marriage, children and divorce,” he said.
Omari has an interest for politics and has often featured on TV as an analyst. Though he personally does not have any political ambitions, his brother Steve Mogaka unsuccessfully contended the West Mugirango parliamentary seat in the last general election.
He recognizes representing Deputy President to represent as one of his most challenging cases. Taking instructions from the second in command is no mean feat, including having to advice him.
Omari draws inspiration from his father and identifies the satisfaction and joy of his customers as his career highlights.
“When I see people cry because of the input of success. Also when I represent a client and he comes and thanks me, or when people say I have represented my client well. That’s my happiness,” he said.
He is married to Pamela. She is a communications lecturer and the couple is blessed with two sons
The two enjoy a good relationship and she has always been very supportive of him. She paid for his master’s degree and he later paid for hers.
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