Fake lawyers arrested in Kenya — one won 26 straight cases
Kenyan authorities arrested two people masquerading as lawyers in recent days — including one who racked up an impressive courtroom winning streak after allegedly stealing the identity of a real attorney.
The first fake lawyer, who used the name of real lawyer Brian Mwenda, had won all 26 cases he handled in various courtrooms while posing as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya despite being untrained, The Nigerian Tribune reported Friday.
The Law Society of Kenya Nairobi Branch Rapid Action Team arrested the con artist attorney after they received tips that he did not have a law license.
“It has been brought to the attention of the LSK Nairobi Branch through the Rapid Action Team (RAT), that the man has been presenting and conducting himself as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a member of LSK Nairobi Branch,” the group posted on X Friday.
“Mwenda,” whose real name was not revealed, had achieved something of a folk hero status in certain corners of the East African country after coverage of his ruse elicited everything from outrage to amusement, the BBC said.
Kenya’s Central Organization of Trade Unions reportedly praised the imposter as a “brilliant young mind” who has succeeded “without traditional qualifications.”
Mike Sonko, the former governor of Nairobi who was removed from office after being entangled in corruption charges, also offered his support to the scam artist and posted a video with the purported fraudster.
In the clip, Sonko called the accused fake lawyer’s detractors “nincompoops,” and noted that “he’s never killed anyone, he’s not a terrorist.”
Sonko then gave the alleged imposter a platform to address the public.
“I would like to convey my gratitude to the people that are supporting me and praying for me… in the fullness of time I will be able to clear this misunderstanding,” the accused fake lawyer said, while clad in a business suit.
“I will also be able to provide my innocence and provide the actual context.”
On Tuesday, the LSK Nairobi Branch took to X to reveal it had “nabbed” another “notorious masquerader” and “quack” who was also practicing law without a license.
Sharon Atieno Adunya allegedly stole the identity of real lawyer Sharon Atieno Obade, using the woman’s likeness to “represent herself in court and in her daily duties,” authorities said.
“The Branch wishes to reiterate its commitment in ensuring that we safeguard our practice space and keep it free from infiltration by quacks.”
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