LSK closes two law firms run by quack lawyers in Nakuru

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) in Nakuru has shut down two law firms that were being run by people pretending to be licensed advocates.

According to Wangari Mwangi, the LSK Nakuru Chapter's Chairperson, the firms — Onkoba Omariba & Company Advocates and Kirera & Company Advocates — were found to be run by unqualified individuals without valid practising certificates.

“We stormed into their offices, seized files and stamps, and locked the premises. The building managers have been notified, and the offices will remain closed until they comply with LSK regulations,” she says.

She added that the crackdown is part of a sustained, nationwide effort by the society to eliminate individuals masquerading as lawyers.

Ms Mwangi also cautioned licensed advocates found to be aiding or sheltering such individuals.

"We are aware that some advocates are enabling these illegal practices. I want to warn them, we are coming for you,” she says.

Steve Mbugua, a council member of the Nakuru Chapter, says that the two unqualified individuals had been involved in fraudulent transactions worth millions of shillings.

"We recovered documents, including land sale agreements and motor vehicle transactions. These people have been defrauding the public of their hard-earned money,” he says, adding that the society would not relent in its crackdown.

Another LSK official, Teresia Nicholas, urged members of the public to verify the credentials of any lawyer they intend to hire.

“Before hiring an advocate, search their name on the LSK online directory. If the name is missing, report it to local LSK officials or the nearest police station,” she advised.

The LSK has been collaborating with law enforcement agencies to safeguard the public from unqualified practitioners and to restore the integrity of the legal profession.