Eric Theuri, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) now says unmasked fake lawyer Brian Mwenda did not win the 26 cases contrary to rumors.
Speaking on his X account, Theuri insisted that there was no evidence to support the viral reports.
“Allegations that the masquerader Brian Mwenda won 26 cases is false & misleading. There is no factual basis to support the misleading claims,” he added.
The LSK President reiterated that Mwenda would be arrested and punished for fraud.
“Efforts to apprehend him are in high gear & we are optimistic that he will be brought to book.”
How Mwenda forged his way to court- LSK President
Theuri claimed that Mwenda took up the identity of another officer working at the office of the Attorney General to register as a practicing lawyer.
“Our preliminary findings indicate that Njagi used the credential of a lawyer working at the office of the Attorney General to gain access to the LSK portal, took control, changed his picture and workplace, and applied for the practicing certificate,” he added.
Atwoli defends the ‘fake’ lawyer Mwenda
This comes hours after Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli came to Mwenda’s defense.
In a statement on social media, Atwoli stated that the fake lawyer’s case was not unique.
“I know of many great engineers, accountants, teachers, IT experts, cybersecurity experts, social workers, creatives, footballers, farmers, immigrants, plumbers, carpenters, and paramedics who are specialists in their areas of interest yet without any paper to show their qualifications,” he added.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The COTU Sec Gen instead offered to support Mwenda actualize his dream of becoming a lawyer through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
RPL is a system that recognizes skills acquired by individuals through self-taught means.
In Mwenda’s case, Atwoli urged the government to take him through a transparent and fair examination to test his skills, rather than force him to take up a law course having become a common figure along the corridors of justice.
“COTU (K) acknowledges that Kenya is home to a multitude of highly skilled and talented youth who have acquired their expertise through practical experience, self-study, and non-formal educational avenues.”
Mike Sonko to the rescue
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko managed to contact Mwenda, and they are currently in Mombasa.
“I still maintain that my future lawyer Brian Mwenda is innocent until proven guilty. Tuko na yeye huku Mombasani until Monday when we shall present him to the DCI to record a statement,” Sonko wrote.
