BOSTON, MA – On May 2, 2025, Jephnei Nyakwama Orina was officially sworn in as an attorney in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, marking a remarkable milestone in a career that bridges continents, legal systems, and political ambitions. Already an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Orina now holds dual admission, expanding his ability to practice law both in Kenya and the United States.
“Becoming a U.S. attorney, in addition to being an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, has been a journey of perseverance, faith, and hard work,” Orina shared. “I am deeply grateful to my family, friends, classmates, and colleagues who supported, encouraged, and believed in me every step of the way. This achievement is not mine alone, it belongs to all of you who stood by me.”
Born in Little known Ogembo Town in Bomachoge Chache constituency, Kisii County, Kenya, Orina grew up in a humble background, determined to change his life through education. He began his schooling at St Charles & Caroline, Makara Primary School in South Mugirango constituency, before earning a place at St. Joseph’s School Rapogi, Migori county for his secondary education—a school renowned for academic excellence. His educational journey continued with a Bachelor of Education(Arts) from Kisii University, where he majored in History and Kiswahili.
It was during this period, while pursuing his undergraduate education degree, that Orina took up a role as a paralegal at the lawfirm of Ochoki & Company Advocates in Kisii. “Working in the legal field while studying to become a teacher opened my eyes to a different calling,” he recalls. Motivated by this experience, he made the bold decision to shift his career path from becoming a TSC high school History and Kiswahili teacher to pursuing law. He enrolled at the University of Nairobi to study for a Bachelor of Laws degree, setting him on the path toward legal advocacy.
His academic accomplishments continued with a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, qualifying him as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. He went on to earn a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Business Law from Northeastern University School of Law and a Master of Business Administration (Finance) from Kisii University. Orina is currently pursuing a Doctor of Juridical Science (PhD in Law) at Suffolk University Law School, where his research focuses on child online privacy protection, the right to be forgotten, and data privacy in an AI-driven digital age.
Professionally, Orina served as Associate Counsel at Gatama & Associates LLP in Nairobi, where he pioneered the firm’s Data Protection and Privacy Department. His practice spanned civil and criminal litigation, corporate restructuring, regulatory compliance, and advisory services to private and corporate clients.
In addition to his legal career, Orina has ventured into politics, becoming one of Kenya’s boldest young political figures. In 2022, at just 29 years old, he made headlines by challenging Kenya`s then Deputy President William Ruto who is the current Kenyan President for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) presidential ticket, emphasizing the need for youth representation at the highest levels of government. Though he didn’t clinch the nomination, his bold candidacy drew national attention to the role of young leaders in politics.
In 2024, he announced his candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position, challenging the Kenyan government’s preferred candidate, Raila Odinga. “Africa’s median age is 19.7 years, yet our leadership doesn’t reflect that reality,” Orina argued, calling for more youth-centered leadership on the continent.
“As I embark on this new chapter, I endeavor to serve the great people of the U.S. and Kenya with zeal, passion, and diligence to the best of my ability,” Orina affirmed. “To God be the glory!”
Orina’s journey—from the rural classrooms of Kisii County to the legal halls of Boston—serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance, vision, and a commitment to bridging local and global legal frameworks while advocating for inclusive governance.
