By M, KNA
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Mount Kenya Branch has cautioned members of the public to be wary of the increasing number of quack lawyers who are swindling unsuspecting citizens and dispossessing them of their inheritance.
Speaking during the Mt. Kenya Branch, LSK Sports Day held at Kutus in Kirinyaga County, branch chairperson Joel Mutuma urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to individuals masquerading as advocates.
Mutuma revealed that the society is grappling with a rise in fake lawyers who have been using forged stamps to con innocent clients, particularly in land transactions and succession matters, leaving many families homeless.
“We are facing serious challenges with brokers pretending to be lawyers. They have interfered with numerous succession cases in our courts, causing untold suffering to families,” said Mutuma.
He added that the Law Society of Kenya is intensifying crackdowns on the impostors and urged the public to always verify the credentials of any lawyer they engage with. “Before entrusting anyone with legal transactions, Kenyans should check the LSK online portal to confirm if the individual is a qualified and registered lawyer or not,” he added.
Mutuma noted that the portal contains the names of all registered members of the LSK and assured that various chapters across the country have stepped up efforts to eliminate quacks from the profession.
Kirinyaga Chapter Chairman, Ngigi Gichoya, echoed the sentiments, emphasizing that only duly registered and qualified lawyers will be allowed to practice within Kirinyaga County to safeguard the public from fraudsters.
The sports day event brought together lawyers from Kirinyaga, Isiolo, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyeri, and Nairobi, and is held twice a year to foster unity, networking, and engagement among LSK members.