A man posing as a lawyer in Kenya won 26 cases without training before being arrested for impersonation and fraud.
In Kenya, a man impersonating a lawyer was arrested after winning 26 court cases without any legal qualifications.
Using the name Brian Mwenda, the man is now at the center of a scandal sparking public outrage in Kenya.
Identity theft at the heart of the controversy
According to officials, the suspect is accused of stealing the identity of a legitimate lawyer named Brian Mwenda Ntwiga.
The real Ntwiga was admitted to the Bar in August 2022 but didn’t apply for a practicing certificate due to working at the Attorney General’s office.
Someone allegedly accessed the Law Society of Kenya’s (LSK) online portal and compromised his identity by altering his account details, replacing the photo and credentials with those of the impostor.
Law society responds after mounting complaints
The Law Society of Kenya’s Nairobi Branch, which governs legal practitioners in the region, confirmed the arrest of the fake lawyer by its Rapid Action Team.
The LSK stated that Brian Mwenda Njagi is not a licensed advocate or Nairobi branch member.
His activities came to light after several complaints lodged, and the real lawyer discovered he could no longer access his account.
While many in Kenya’s legal community have expressed outrage over the deception, reactions among the general public have been more varied.
Some people, especially online, have admired the impostor’s confidence and courtroom success despite his lack of training.
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) praised him as a “brilliant young mind,” noting his ability to thrive without formal credentials.
Former Governor Mike Sonko lends his support
Controversial former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko also threw his weight behind the accused.
In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Sonko appeared alongside the man and offered support.
In the video, the accused expressed gratitude to those backing him and promised to clarify the situation in time.
He stated his intention to prove his innocence and offer the “actual context” behind the accusations.
Prosecutors begin investigation into legal misconduct
Renson Mulele Ingonga, Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions, has taken notice of the case.
He has directed the Inspector General of Police to conduct a full investigation into the matter.
Ingonga emphasized the growing concern over unqualified individuals posing as legal professionals, warning that the trend undermines the justice system.
Legal experts say the case highlights vulnerabilities in the systems used to verify professional credentials.
Critics have questioned how someone without formal training could navigate multiple courtrooms and argue 26 cases without raising red flags.
There are now growing calls for the LSK and the judiciary to implement stricter safeguards to prevent similar breaches in the future.