At a recent bar admission ceremony in Nairobi, soon-to-be advocate Billie Nyakawa made a striking entrance by riding a horse through the city center, dressed in the traditional advocate’s gown and powdered wig. Accompanied by two other men on horseback, Nyakawa’s dramatic procession to the Supreme Court, where Chief Justice Martha Koome presided, captivated onlookers and quickly went viral on social media, sparking humorous and admiring reactions from Kenyans.

This memorable event highlighted not only Nyakawa’s unique celebration but also the evolution of the legal profession in Kenya. Historically restricted by colonial laws that barred locals from qualifying as advocates, the profession has since opened up through reforms and the establishment of local legal institutions. While bar admissions are now routine, Nyakawa’s horseback arrival served as a vivid reminder that even longstanding traditions can be refreshed with creativity and flair.