The Law Society of Kenya has cautioned Kenyans of fake law firms masquerading as registered companies after a crackdown led to the closure of a network of fake law firms operating in collaboration with cybercafés to swindle prospective clients in Garissa County.
In a statement on Wednesday, February 26, the LSK reported that the Practice Standards and Ethics Committee, in collaboration with the Practice Standards Directorate, unveiled the fake firms during a routine inspection of all law firms in the North Eastern town.
"A team from the Secretariat, accompanied by the upcountry Council Member- Ms. Linda Kiome, visited the Town for a scheduled inspection that was undertaken from February 20 to 22, 2025," part of the statement read.
"Among the visited firms, three were found to be non-compliant, with no advocates present to oversee their branch offices during the inspection period."
During investigations into the three firms, it was discovered that they had conspired with a series of cybercafés that would refer victims of the fraud to the fake law firms by purporting to draft legal documents and referring them for commission
An undercover operation by LSK officials in one of the cafes was successful as the cafe had drafted an affidavit for the team and advised them to visit one of the firms for commissioning.
A video shared by the commission to accompany the statement showed the members of the team interacting with the cybercafé operators.
Consequently, a complaint was lodged at the Garissa Police Station against the cybercafé and the implicated law firms.
"The complaint seeks to hold the perpetrators accountable for receiving money and falsely purporting to provide legal advice and drafting services as qualified advocates, despite being unqualified individuals. Notably, a successful arrest was made," the statement read.
"Further investigations are underway into the perpetrators for contravening Sections 33 and 34 of the Advocates Act by offering legal services to the unsuspecting public under false pretenses, as well as Section 382 of the Penal Code."
The law society further urged members of the public to be vigilant of these fake advocates by confirming their status of admission on the official LSK website.
"Reports of suspected masqueraders can be made to the Law Society of Kenya through the Practice Standards Directorate on practicestandards@lsk.or.ke," the statement concluded.
