19-10-2023 (NAIROBI) A Kenyan man, despite having no legal training, allegedly practised law using another identity and won 26 cases. Local authorities have since arrested him, and he appeared in court on Wednesday (Oct 18). While he may face prosecution for his actions, he has also garnered a fair share of supporters, with some even drawing comparisons to the fictional character Mike Ross from the TV show ‘Suits,’ who practised law without a license.
Arrest of Kenyan Man Practising Law Under Stolen Identity
According to BBC News, the man was practising under the name “Brian Mwenda” and stands accused of stealing the identity of a real lawyer, Brian Mwenda Ntwiga. Despite his lack of legal training, he purportedly emerged victorious in all 26 cases he undertook, as reported by Kenyan newspaper The Star. The Daily Mail stated that the man allegedly gained access to a portal belonging to the Nairobi Branch of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK). He reportedly altered the account details of the real Mr Mwenda, uploaded his picture, and claimed to have legal training.
Notice: It has been brought to the attention of the LSK Nairobi Branch through the Rapid Action Team (RAT), that the above pictured person has been presenting and conducting himself as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a member of LSK Nairobi Branch. pic.twitter.com/v3Bx75Fmgn
— LSK Nairobi Branch (@lsk_nbi) October 12, 2023
The Real Mr Mwenda’s Actions
The real Mr Mwenda, upon discovering that he could not access his account and noticing changes to certain details, alerted the LSK. This revelation led to a public outcry, with numerous complaints filed, and calls for the LSK to apprehend the impostor.
Law Society of Kenya’s Statement
In a statement released on October 13, the LSK clarified that the real Mr Mwenda had been admitted to the Bar on August 5, 2022. At that time, an account was opened for him in the ‘Advocates’ portal using his correct email address. However, he did not apply for a practising certificate following his admission because he did not require one, as he was working at the Attorney General’s office. It was only in September 2023 that he realized something was amiss when he attempted to log into the system to activate his profile and apply for a practising certificate, only to find that he could not. The LSK added that their tech department had resolved the issue and initiated an investigation into how the email address could have been altered.
The Impostor’s Court Appearance and Supporters
Despite the outrage generated by the case, some found the man’s actions impressive. Kenya’s Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) referred to him as a “brilliant young mind” who had achieved much “without traditional qualifications.” Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko publicly supported the man, stating that he had never killed anyone or engaged in criminal activities. However, Kenya’s director of public prosecutions, Renson Mulele Ingonga, has directed the Inspector General of the National Police Service to conduct expedited comprehensive investigations, indicating that the man will face prosecution. On Wednesday (Oct 18), The Star reported that the man appeared in court after being questioned at the Directorate of Criminal Investigation in Nairobi.
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 pic.twitter.com/fFGNoxG7tX
— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) October 13, 2023
