Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-23 07:14:56
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) made a startling revelation on Wednesday, February 21, as they exposed an alleged quack lawyer who was accused of collaborating with state officers to defraud unsuspecting clients. The raid, which took place at the lawyer’s office in Nairobi, uncovered the accused in possession of official government stamps, documents, and other paraphernalia.
LSK President Eric Theuri revealed that the suspect was a former employee at the Office of the Attorney General but had built a rich and well-coordinated network with state officers who are yet to be identified. Theuri expressed hope that the police would be able to identify the individuals working with the suspect through the confiscated documents.
In their efforts to address the situation, LSK had reached out to Attorney General Justin Muturi to inform him of the arrest of the masquerading lawyer and was awaiting a response on the way forward. Theuri also confirmed that several other individuals had been arrested in different locations.
The victims of the accused had confirmed that they were referred to the fake advocate by officers from the Attorney General’s office. Numerous fake legal transactions, including divorce matters, affidavits, and property transfers, had been carried out through the suspect and were subsequently confiscated.
Before apprehending the suspect, LSK, alongside law enforcement officials, had raided a cyber cafe in Nairobi where they discovered illegal files and official law stamps that were allegedly used to legitimize cases such as divorce and land litigations. Theuri urged Chief Justice Martha Koome to take severe action and assist in curbing the vice.
He also brought to attention that some of the suspects under LSK’s radar had been using stamps belonging to lawyers who had been struck off the registry. Theuri called upon the Chief Justice to expedite cases filed against the quack lawyers and emphasized the need for the judiciary to take action on the matter.
In a crackdown initiated by LSK, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had arrested a fake lawyer in Nakuru on February 9. This individual had allegedly swindled over 100 people of millions of shillings by claiming he could process land title deeds for them.
LSK has been relentless in its efforts to eliminate fake lawyers from the legal profession, with over 30 fake lawyers from around the country being arrested within the past few months. The Society is dedicated to continuing the clean-up process to eradicate all quacks.
The gravity of the situation is evident, and it is essential for the authorities to take swift and decisive action to safeguard the interests of unsuspecting clients and uphold the integrity of the legal profession. The collaboration between LSK, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant authorities is crucial in ensuring that individuals posing as legal practitioners are brought to justice and prevented from perpetrating further fraudulent activities. It is incumbent upon the legal fraternity and the justice system to work collectively to address this pressing issue and restore trust and confidence in the legal profession.
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