Were it not for her resilience, Sharon Atieno might not have anticipated the day she officially joins the roll of advocates as a fully fledged law practitioner.

The woman hit the headlines for the wrong reasons in 2023 when she was caught in the dragnet of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK)'s operatives, who were undertaking a crackdown on lawyers using fake credentials in their practice.

In their preliminary findings, the LSK asserted that Atieno had stolen the identity of a certified lawyer to practice with it as her own.

She was apprehended and detained at the Capitol Hill Police Station ahead of her arraignment; her case, however, disappeared from public scrutiny.

It now appears she went back to meticulously craft her own identity.

Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko was one of the people who came to her rescue.

Two years into her ordeal, Atieno returns to the limelight with an impeccable feat to show the world.

She was among the 609 advocates admitted to the bar on Friday, May 23.

Atieno celebrated the achievement with a flashback to the ugly phase of her life two years ago.

She was happy that she never surrendered to the humiliation in the face of a brutal public.

"I am beyond grateful and honoured to be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. This moment marks the culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and unwavering determination. In 2023, I faced challenges that tested my spirit, but I refused to let setbacks define me. With faith, support from loved ones, and a commitment to my dreams, I kept pushing forward. This journey has taught me that obstacles are not the end but stepping stones to growth and success," she posted on Facebook.

Atieno used her experience to motivate anyone held back by setbacks.

She also expressed gratitude to the few who showed up for her when her world was crumbling.

Atieno dedicated her new status to the service of others and the pursuit of justice for those in need of it.

"To anyone out there facing doubts, hurdles, or naysayers: keep going. Your dreams are valid, and your perseverance will light the way. This milestone is proof that with grit and grace, you can rise above and achieve your purpose. Thank you to everyone who believed in me and to God for guiding my path. Here’s to serving justice, uplifting others, and embracing every new opportunity!" she added.

To help Sharon celebrate the milestone was Sonko.

Having been among those who believed in the woman's potential despite the public lynching, the former Nairobi governor would not conceal the feeling of fulfilment.

Sonko said his gesture toward Sharon was sparked by her brilliance in law despite not having proper credentials.

It was then that he took it upon himself to help her through the journey to ultimately acquire her new status.

"I am proud to witness the admission to the bar of advocate Sharon Atieno. 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," Sonko celebrated.

He organised a party in his office to celebrate the lady's achievement.

Also to be admitted to the bar was Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Babu, while delighting in his newest academic milestone, revealed that the urge to study law was motivated by the encounters his mother had with the law enforcers during his childhood

He recalled his mother, who was then selling alcohol to fend for the family, being arrested numerous times by police who didn't want her business.

The MP said he would use his lawyership to seek justice for the lowly in society.

Source: TUKO.co.ke