A Grand Entrance at the Supreme Court

NAIROBI – In a memorable departure from tradition, newly admitted advocate Billie Nyakawa arrived at the Supreme Court of Kenya on horseback for his admission to the Bar on Thursday, 22 November 2025, EAT. The spectacle, which quickly gained traction on social media, saw Mr. Nyakawa, flanked by two other riders, galloping towards the nation's highest court, an act that has been described as a first in Kenya's legal history.

The event took place as 920 new advocates were admitted to the Bar in a historic ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome. This was one of the largest single cohorts ever to be admitted, bringing the total number of advocates in the country to approximately 27,000. The formal proceedings inside the court stood in contrast to the scene outside, where Mr. Nyakawa’s arrival was met with cheers and applause from his equally surprised and amused colleagues.

A New Generation of Advocates

The admission ceremony was a significant event for the Kenyan judiciary. Chief Justice Koome, speaking at the event on Thursday, 20 November 2025, highlighted the importance of the growing number of legal professionals in enhancing access to justice across the country. She urged the new cohort to uphold the dignity, discipline, and integrity of the legal profession. “May your work succeed and bring dignity to your families, communities and this noble profession,” she stated. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Odhiambo, also addressed the new members, reminding them that they were joining the profession at a critical time when the nation is re-evaluating its democratic values.

Mr. Nyakawa, who is listed as a Trainee Advocate at the Nairobi-based law firm TripleOKLaw LLP, took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to mark the occasion. He shared a photo of his unique arrival, quoting the biblical passage Numbers 23:19 and stating, “Officially an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. See you at the top!” His post, and videos shared by outlets like @sautike TV, elicited a wave of congratulatory messages from the Kenyan public, with many praising his bold and celebratory entrance.

Context and Reaction

While Mr. Nyakawa's actions were widely seen as a moment of personal celebration, they also spark a conversation about tradition and modernity within Kenya's legal fraternity. The admission to the Bar is a solemn ceremony steeped in tradition, marking the culmination of years of rigorous study and training. The process requires an undergraduate law degree, completion of the Advocates Training Programme at the Kenya School of Law, and passing the bar examination before petitioning the Chief Justice for admission.

There has been no official statement from the Law Society of Kenya or the Judiciary regarding the appropriateness of the horseback arrival. The LSK’s Code of Conduct and Ethics for Advocates outlines standards of professional conduct, but it does not prescribe specific rules for decorum outside the courtroom or during admission ceremonies. Public reaction has been largely positive, with social media users expressing amusement and support. One user commented, “Congratulations wakili, welcome onboard, physical court sessions should resume, your horse deserves a space at the advocates parking lot!” Another noted, “The bar is so high.”

Mr. Nyakawa’s grand entrance occurred in the same week that the UK Bar Council held a business development visit in Nairobi, including a joint symposium with the Law Society of Kenya, highlighting the increasing international focus on the Kenyan legal market. The admission of a record number of advocates, including high-profile individuals like Royal Media Services Editorial Director Linus Kaikai, underscores the growing appeal and dynamism of the legal profession in Kenya. Mr. Nyakawa’s memorable arrival, whether viewed as a simple act of celebration or a statement of individuality, has undeniably added a unique chapter to the history of the Kenyan Bar.

FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED: Official statements from the Law Society of Kenya and the Judiciary on the matter have not been released. TripleOKLaw LLP has not issued a public comment on their trainee's actions.