A woman operating without the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) credentials in Machakos Town has been arrested.
According to LSK Council member Wavinya Nicholas, the woman was apprehended on Thursday, July 10, during an operation conducted by LSK officials in collaboration with the police.
She was found at a law firm in the area carrying out duties such as swearing affidavits, preparing court documents, and collecting money using her personal M-Pesa account.
The arrest occurred during a surprise inspection by LSK officials and police officers, where she was found working illegally.
"We are here today after reports from the public and some members of LSK about how they had been duped by quacks who have yet to go to law school, be accredited to practise law, or even be admitted as advocates," Wavinya stated.
She was found inside the office waiting to meet clients when she was arrested and will be taken to court to face charges.
Wavinya added that some qualified lawyers are also engaging in illegal activities by hiring unqualified individuals to help them carry out legal work.
"Members of the LSK, please, you know this is illegal, and we want to remind you to employ certified advocates who have gone through law school and been admitted to the bar," she added.
This is part of an ongoing crackdown on law firms and individuals operating illegally in the country, during which several arrests have been made in different regions. Over the past month, 10 people have been arrested in Bungoma, Siaya, and Garissa.
In the most recent incident on July 3, four law firms operating without any form of legal registration were shut down in Garissa.
Council Member Steve Mbugua said that individuals running the illegal firms were using them to swindle unsuspecting clients.
“Most of their offices were issued notices to comply, which is a requirement in the LSK Regulations 2020, that every law firm, every office of advocates in the country, must be manned by an advocate who is licensed and registered for that particular office,” Mbugua said.
