A surge of legal endorsements and widespread public support is influencing the narrative surrounding Danstan Omari, the esteemed city lawyer who has announced his plans to run for the Nairobi senatorial seat in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
His candidacy has garnered significant attention, particularly due to the accolades he received from various prominent members of Kenya’s legal community.
This support was especially evident during his nomination for the position of Director of Public Prosecutions, where he was backed by influential figures such as the President of the Kenya Judges & Magistrates Association, as well as well-known attorneys like Cliff Ombeta and Shadrack Wambui.
They praised Omari for his unwavering integrity, extensive experience, and steadfast dedication to the principles of justice, further solidifying his reputation as a credible candidate for the senatorial role.
While formal endorsements for his senatorial bid from lawyers are yet to be publicly announced, his reputation within the profession—as a lawyer unafraid to take on complex and high-stakes cases—has earned him considerable informal backing among peers and the broader justice ecosystem.
In January 2025, Omari formally unveiled his ambitions, positioning himself as a native of Nairobi’s courtroom ethos and a champion of the city’s underserved populations.
He criticised incumbent senator Edwin Sifuna for failing to hold Nairobi’s county leadership accountable over fund utilisation, promising rigorous oversight as senator .
Omari emphasised his record of defending hawkers, boda boda riders, touts, and small-scale traders, declaring that their voice is missing in the Senate .
He framed his run as a long-term project: secure the Senate seat in 2027, then pursue Nairobi’s governorship in 2032 .
Even though there is no official statement yet from professional legal groups supporting his senatorial bid, many observers suggest that fellow lawyers see Omari as:
A bridge between legal advocacy and public service: transforming courtroom discipline into political accountability.
A public interest figure: someone accustomed to fighting for marginalized communities.
A proven litigator and mentor: with over a decade of experience, a notable presence in major criminal and family law cases, and recognition as one of the top litigation lawyers in Kenya in 2025 .
Credibility in oversight Lawyers valued for strong ethical standards and attention to accountability may view him as suited to Senate oversight of county funds.
Advocacy credentials His track record defending both high-profile and grassroots clients is seen as offering real representation to diverse Nairobi communities.
Law-to-politics pipeline His past endorsement for key legal appointments bolsters confidence in his ability to transition into civic leadership.
There are no confirmed endorsements from formal legal bodies specifically for his Senate bid.
His party affiliation is undecided, and he insists he will run on his record, not a political brand—whether independent or under a party .
Public views are divided: some hail his courtroom bravery; others question his legal methodology and media prominence.
Danstan Omari has undeniably built a legal brand around representing Nairobi’s vulnerable communities and calling out misuse of public funds. While the legal community has historically applauded him—particularly during his DPP nomination phase—it remains to be seen whether lawyers will organize formal support for his 2027 senatorial bid.
What’s clear is that Omari’s entry has already reshaped Nairobi’s political discourse: spotlighting grassroots voices, demanding accountability, and offering a candidate whose credentials extend beyond conventional political pathways.
