A man facing accusations of practicing law without proper qualifications in Kenya has declared his innocence and expressed gratitude towards those who have rallied in support of him.
Gatekeepers News reports that recently, legal authorities in Kenya called on the police to apprehend an individual operating under the name “Brian Mwenda.”
They alleged that this individual was a “masquerader” who had assumed the identity of a legitimate lawyer named Brian Mwenda Ntwiga.
According to local media reports, this “fake lawyer” had won numerous lawsuits despite not having the necessary legal training.
The case has captured the attention of the East African country, evoking a wide range of reactions from outrage to amusement. Even in the face of criticism from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the country’s Director of Public Prosecutions, the alleged imposter has garnered several supporters.
He has received praise from Kenya’s Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), which described him as a “brilliant young mind” who has achieved success “outside the traditional qualifications.”
Additionally, the controversial former governor of Nairobi, Mike Sonko, publicly supported the accused “fake lawyer.” He posted a video on social media in which he identified the individual standing beside him as the accused “fake lawyer.”
In the video, the individual, who appeared to be Mr. Mwenda, conveyed his gratitude to those supporting him and stated, “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.
“I will be also be able to provide my innocence and provide the actual context.”
He announced his intention to visit a police station and provide officers with a statement, likely on Monday or Tuesday.
Mike Sonko, a polarizing politician with a history of allegations related to drug trafficking and money laundering, defended the “fake lawyer,” referring to those criticising him as “nincompoops.” Sonko emphasised that the accused has not committed violent crimes or engaged in terrorism.
Despite this backing, Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Mulele Ingonga, affirmed that “Mr. Mwenda” is still subject to prosecution.
Ingonga directed the Inspector General of the National Police Service to conduct a thorough and expedited investigation.
Mr. Ingonga also noted that this case is not unique and highlighted a concerning trend of unqualified individuals pretending to be Advocates of the High Court of Kenya.
