Kenya’s legal scene has over the years given rise to nationally and regionally acclaimed legal professionals, some of whom have litigated landmark cases, endearing them as the very best in the field.
Due to perennial appearances on television, representing diverse clients, a number of lawyers have become borderline celebrities—the first to be sought after by members of the public and leaders alike to offer legal counsel.
In this article, WoK explores some of the best criminal lawyers in the country, highlighting a number of cases that put them on the map.
- Cliff Ombeta
Cliff Marube Ombeta is easily among the most famous lawyers in Kenya—somewhat of a celebrity lawyer. He has made a name for himself tackling cases many may not want to associate with.
Some of his clients have been accused of murder and drug trafficking, among other crimes. Once he was questioned on whether he is an ambulance, to which he responded, “It is just that the cases in which I am sometimes called to represent attract a lot of media attention when a man and wife are fighting; the media does not care.”
Ombeta has proved that he is his own man who is not swayed by popular opinion or emotions. This can best be illustrated by his decision to represent three administration police officers who were accused of abduction and murder of human rights lawyer Willie Kimani, his client Josephat Mwenda, and taxi driver Joseph Muiruri.
Asked in a separate interview by Standard journalist Donald Odongo how he “pops up the moment a controversial case or client is reported”, the lawyer answered: “I have reached a point in my career where cases come to me. I don’t remember the last time I went looking for a case. All my cases come through referrals. I take complex criminal cases and win them, so naturally, my name is at the top of people’s minds whenever there is a tough case”.
Ombeta represented the agents and owners of the ship that was impounded with heroin with a street value of Ksh1.3 billion. He also went to represent the Akashas who were facing extradition to the US on drug trafficking offences. The lawyer won the first round but the Akashas were extradited to face trial in the US.
He also represented Embakasi East MP babu Owino who was charged with shooting DJ Evolve at a nightclub in Nairobi. Ombeta managed to strike an out of court settlement between the lawmaker and Evolve’s family.
2. Wandugi Kirathe
Wandugi Kirathe is easily among the top criminal defense attornies in the country. He has litigated some of the most prominent cases in the country, representing clients charged with various crimes, from fraud to murder.
He dominated headlines in 2024 stemming from his involvement in a number of nationally televised cases.
In February last year, an illegal gas filling plant in the Mradi area of Embakasi exploded, leaving six people dead and over 200 hospitalised. Kirathe was in court to represent Derick Kimathi, the proprietor of the illegal gas filling plant, and his business partner, Steve Kioko.
He also represented National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Director General Stephen Ogenga in a Ksh4.8 million illicit tender case.
Kirathe was also part of the legal team representing Embakasi North MP James Gakuya in his Sh40 million graft case.
3. Moses Wetangula
Any list of top Kenyan criminal defence lawyers would not be valid without the mention of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula. The veteran lawyer is famed for his defense of 1982 coup plotters, including mastermind Hezekiah Ochuka, who was sentenced to death after he was convicted of treason.
Wetangula who graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi once served as a a judicial officer besides having become an Advocate of the High Court and managing Wetang’ula and Company Advocates.
4. Fred Ngatia
Fred Ngatia is one of the most sought-after lawyers in the country, having represented top politicians and corporations.
He successfully represented the late George Saitoti in the Goldenberg scandal and also represented the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).
Ngatia was also the lead counsel for President Uhuru Kenyatta in the presidential election petition of 2013 and twice in 2017.
5. Fred Ojiambo
Fred Ojiambo is a Kenyan lawyer and was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court in 1975. His main area of practice is civil litigation, but has also participated in various judicial and other inquiries, such as the inquiry into the Goldenberg case.
One of the controversial cases he handled was when he represented Thomas Cholmondeley, the great-grandson of Lord Delamere, in court.
Cholmondeley, before being acquitted, had been accused of shooting and killing Samson ole Sisina, a game ranger who is said to have been on an undercover mission.
6. Kioko Kilukumi
Senior Counsel Kioko Kilukumi, the managing partner at Kilukumi & Company Advocates, is a seasoned criminal lawyer, who boasts multiple high-profile clients—the who’s who of the country.
Kilukumi has represented senior government leaders, including late cabinet minister David Mwiraria and President William Ruto, among others.
He also represented several accused persons in the Anglo-Leasing graft scandal.
Kilukumi also lead the defense team of former Migori Governor in a case where he is accussed of the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.
7. Phillip Murgor
Phillip Murgor is also among the household names in Kenya’s legal corridors. The seasoned lawyer has been involved in a number of high-profile cases, some of which attracted national attention.
Murgor, who holds an undergraduate Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi and a postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, offered legal counsel to Sarah Wairimu, who was accused of killing her husband, Dutch tycoon Tob Cohen.
8. Githu Muigai
Githu Muigai is also a celebrated lawyer in Kenya. He served as the Attorney General of Kenya until his resignation on February 13, 2018.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Nairobi, a master’s degree in international law from Columbia University School of Law, and in 2002, he was awarded a doctorate in law.
One of the top cases that Muigai has handled is when he represented Ruth Kamande, who was found guilty of killing his boyfriend in 2015.
Kamande was accused of murdering Farid Mohammed inside a Buruburu house in 2015 after stabbing him with a knife 22 times following a quarrel that escalated into a fight.
Githu argued before the court that Kamande had acted in self-defence. She was, however, found guilty and sentenced to death.
9. George Oraro
Senior counsel George Oraro made headlines when he successfully represented former ODM chairman Henry Kosgey during the hearings at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Oraro also represented the defunct Cord coalition in the 2013 presidential election petition following allegations of rigging.
