The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) on Tuesday, May 2, explained lawyer Cliff Ombeta's legal status after an uproar ensued when he represented Pastor Ezekiel Odero in court.
LSK further noted that Ombeta was accused of practising law in 2022 and 2023, without a practising certificate.
"We note that there are allegations of the advocate having practiced without a practicing certificate for the first part of the year and as far as last year.
"The allegations are being investigated, and when sufficient evidence is collected, a formal complaint against the advocate will be lodged with the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal," read a letter from the CEO/Secretary Florence Muturi.
According to the Society, Ombeta's status was on Tuesday, May 2 morning, changed from inactive to active for 2023.
LSK further detailed that the lawyer had filed for his practising certificate for 2023. He reportedly tabled an application before the Council on January 26, which was approved.
He was also required to pay requisite fees, which he did on March 7, making him eligible to apply for the practising certificate 2023.
"The advocate paid for his practising certificate on May 1 2023 at 4.36 pm and was issued a receipt via the poartal on the same date," LSK explained.
Furthermore, LSK noted that the system automatically activates the member on the next rollover, May 2, 2023.
Ombeta, alongside his counterpart Danstan Omari was hired by the controversial pastor, Ezekiel Odero, on Saturday, April 29, to represent him in court, where he faced charges of terrorism, kidnapping, mass killing of followers, and indoctrination of faithful.
The duo joined Jared Magolo, who was already acting on behalf of the pastor.
On Tuesday, May 2, the lawyers filed a petition before the Shanzu Court asking the magistrate to free their client.
Ezekiel sought to halt his 30-day detention, arguing that there was no reason to detain him longer since the investigators were still reviewing the evidence against him.
"The police claim to be collecting evidence on the Preacher, yet they want to continue holding him. That is a complete violation of Pastor Ezekiel's right," Omari argued.
Police were ordered to detain the pastor for two days, with his case set to be mentioned on Thursday, May 4.
