The Law Society of Kenya has intensified its efforts to eradicate unqualified lawyers in a crackdown carried out in the Mt. Kenya region.
On Monday, August 14, police arrested a fraudulent lawyer accused of practising law in Murang’a county and its environs.
The lady was apprehended at her office in Maragua town and detained at Maragua Police Station, where she recorded a statement as investigations into her practice commenced.
“It is very risky for everyone who received legal services from this lady because any affidavit or agreement done under her advocacy may not stand any case,” Law Society of Kenya Chairman, Murang’a County Ndegwa Mbui noted.
The chairman also warned that her clients risked losing property and other assets or having their cases contested afresh owing to agreements entered with the quack lawyer.
Ndegwa also called on the public to remain vigilant and provide information on suspicious individuals practising law in the region.
He further that lamented the rate at which unqualified lawyers have been setting camp in the region, masquerading as certified professionals, was alarming.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke LSK Chairman Mt. Kenya Region, Joel Mutuma, confirmed the society’s efforts to derail the quack lawyers from practice and ensure clients receive legal advice only from qualified and certified professionals.
Stephen Mbugua, an LSK official, concurred with Ndegwa noting that the accused quack had deceived and misled locals for a long time.
“Unfortunately, she is not an advocate. She was caught impersonating a commissioner for oaths where she proceeded to offer a service despite being unqualified to do so,” Mbugua told journalists.
The two advocates urged Kenyans to verify the legal status of lawyers before sealing agreements with them.
Police are set to arraign the fraudulent lawyer at Kenol Law Court, where she will be formally charged with the offence of impersonating an advocate of the High Court.
In April this year, LSK also oversaw the arrest of 10 individuals posing as lawyers in Nanyuki, Laikipia County.
The suspects were believed to be operating offices in Nanyuki town and drawing sale agreements, transfers and preparing court documents on issues of succession cases, among others.
