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The Unlikely Lawyer: Uncovering the Story of Sister Leonida

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Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 1 min read

This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.

On September 25, 2019, photos of Sister Leonida, a nun turned lawyer, sent shockwaves of excitement among Kenyans after she was spotted representing Marianne Kitany, the ex-wife of Mithika Linturi.

But how did a nun from St. Joseph's Sisters in Mombasa end up as a lawyer? Let's delve into the story of this remarkable woman.

Sister Leonida was born in Makueni County, approximately 400 kilometers outside of Mombasa. She joined the St. Joseph's Sisters in 1997 and made her first vows on December 8, 2000, and her solemn or perpetual vows on December 8, 2011.

Despite her vocation, Sister Leonida pursued a career in law, driven by a desire to help her fellow religious men and women, including the clergy, access legal services and protect their property.

According to Sister Leonida, she is one of only two nuns who are lawyers, with others still studying law. Her remarkable journey has inspired many, and her dedication to her faith and her profession is a testament to her unwavering commitment.

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