Two men have been arrested in Malindi and taken into custody for posing as lawyers and operating an illegal law firm for almost five years, in a crackdown led by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
The two were arrested in Kilifi County, where they posed as lawyers, and concerns were raised by members of the public as to whether they were real advocates. LSK Council Member Steven Mbugua stated that the two operated a law firm in Malindi under the names and credentials of real lawyers, without their knowledge, and offered legal services to clients who believed they were real lawyers.
“These two have been pretending to be qualified lawyers for quite some time. It is unfortunate they were able to operate for years before being caught.”
The police assisted in the operation, and police officers confiscated a number of court documents and stamps from real law firms, which they believed they used to give an impression that they offered real legal services.
LSK officials termed this arrest as part of a larger effort to rid the country of unqualified persons masquerading as lawyers, adding that this was a form of cheating that targeted unsuspecting members of society and undermined trust in the judicial system.
Mbugua encouraged members of society to always make sure that they are dealing with a registered advocate, adding that society would continue to work with security agencies to track down additional impostors.
This arrest comes in the wake of a similar arrest in Migori County, where a woman was arrested for allegedly providing legal services using fake stamps and seals from real law firms.
Kisii Chapter LSK chairperson Davin Biyaki stated that members of society had unknowingly paid for legal services, believing that the suspect was a qualified advocate. Rongo Police confirmed that the suspect was charged with impersonation. Sub-county police commander Salim Fundi stated that the woman had used another advocate’s identity to provide legal services to clients.
