Life is often shaped by defining moments—turning points that challenge, transform, and ultimately refine us into who we are meant to be.
For Brenda Majune, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a Senior Legal Consultant at Kraido Advocates, and a Board Member at the National Organization for Peer Educators (NOPE), these moments have been deeply personal, painful, and yet profoundly formative.
From a childhood of humble beginnings in Western Kenya to navigating the complexities of law and business, Brenda's journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and self-discovery.
Humble Beginnings and Early Influences
Brenda was born at Sirisia Hospital, a small hospital in Western Kenya's Bungoma County, and spent much of her childhood in the village, raised by her grandmother alongside her elder brother and the extended family. Their parents were pursuing higher education—her mother at a local university and her father overseas.
It wasn’t until around the age of five that Brenda met her father for the first time, initially perceiving him as a stranger. His sudden presence disrupted the familiar, carefree life she had known, introducing discipline and a rigorous academic structure that would later prove invaluable.
“My father, who is also an Advocate, took a whole year off to bond with us, foregoing his postgraduate studies at the Kenya School of Law,” Brenda recalls.
“At the time, his strictness felt unbearable, but looking back, it was an incredible sacrifice that shaped who I am today.”
Brenda recalls how her father had initially attempted to spark her interest in law from a young age, but she did not take to it immediately.
She remembers being taken to court with him while he attended his cases—an experience she admittedly disliked.
"I would go along, not because I had a choice, but because I knew there would be chips and sausages at the end of the day," she reflects with a smile.
Her educational journey saw her excel through primary and secondary school in Western Kenya before joining the University of Nairobi to pursue a law degree. From a young age, she had always known she wanted to be a lawyer.
"I remember being very consistent with my answer on what I wanted to be when I grow up. My primary and High School contemporaries and teachers will remember me always saying that I wanted to be a lawyer."
Brenda recounts that on her day of admission to the bar, unlike the other attendees, her dinner shirt and bib (that thing that lawyers wear on the shirt) were quite old.
Her mother would later reveal to her that she bought those things when she was still in Form Two, knowing that one day, she would need to wear them.
Struggles and a Detour into Business
Like many fresh graduates, Brenda faced immense challenges in finding placement at a law firm or government institution.
Contrary to expectations, her father did not use his professional network to ease her entry into the legal world—each of his children was expected to carve their own path.
After a year of fruitless job searching, disillusionment set in, and Brenda made a bold pivot, venturing into business.
With capital borrowed from her father and cousin, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. However, her lack of confidence in legal practice persisted.
“I felt inadequate. I remember a client calling me incompetent, and deep down, I knew that he was right,” she admits.
Her turning point came when a restaurant business she co-founded collapsed due to betrayal.
“I blindly trusted my business partners without proper due diligence. They colluded, pushed me out, and the business continued without me.”
The financial loss was devastating—she had taken a loan against her car, which was later repossessed. The experience led to a period of deep despair, which, in hindsight, she recognizes as undiagnosed depression.
A Return to Law and Redemption
With no financial stability and nowhere else to turn to, Brenda sought refuge in her family.
Surprisingly, rather than judgment, she found support. Her father took up her legal case against her former business partners pro bono, but more importantly, he reoriented her back to her true calling: the law.
Determined to rebuild, she chose not to seek employment but instead approached top law firms for unpaid apprenticeship opportunities.
“I just wanted to regain my confidence,” she says.
It was at Matemu Katasi & Associates Advocates that she was given a chance. Under the mentorship of Mr. Mumo Matemu MBS and Ms. Grace Katasi, she worked tirelessly to reestablish herself.
“I treated every single file as if it were my last chance. I had something to prove, not to others, but to myself.”
Financial constraints made this period even tougher.
“I had to take motorbikes to work every day, even on rainy days, covering my face with a mask and sunglasses to avoid recognition,” she laughs.
Support from her elder brother and then-boyfriend (now husband) helped her stay afloat.
A Profound Loss and a Renewed Perspective
Just as her legal career stabilized, life threw another unimaginable challenge her way.
In November 2022, just days after celebrating her 30th birthday with her only sister Siti Kraido, tragedy struck—Siti passed away suddenly.
“I had been there for her from the day she was brought home in a baby shoal, through school, and even into adulthood. She was just in her second year at USIU, and we would hang out every other weekend as I mentored her. Losing her was the worst experience of my life.”
The grief was overwhelming, but it also reshaped her outlook on life.
“The mortuary attendant told me, ‘Just as babies are born every second, people die every second. Use your time well.’ That moment shifted something in me.”
The loss led to personal reflection, a reevaluation of relationships, and a renewed commitment to living with purpose.
“I lost friendships that I thought were lifelong, but I also gained clarity on what truly matters.”
Lessons in Leadership, Resilience, and Purpose
Brenda’s journey has not only shaped her legal career but also deepened her understanding of leadership.
“Leadership, to me, is about service, guiding, empowering, and standing by others when they need you most.”
As an advocate, she now approaches her clients with greater empathy, particularly those dealing with inheritance and family disputes.
“I’ve come to understand that legal matters are not just transactions; they carry deep personal stories.”
A Message to Aspiring Changemakers
For young people striving to make a difference, Brenda offers this advice:
“Embrace your struggles; they are part of your journey. No experience, however painful, is wasted. Stay open to growth, seek mentorship, and never be afraid to start over.”
As for what’s next, Brenda envisions a future where she continues using her legal expertise to create meaningful impact.
And if she were to summarize her life philosophy in one sentence?
“Life is unpredictable, but no matter the setbacks, you can always rise again.”
