LSK Launch Crackdown to Eradicate 'Fake' Lawyers Operating in Malindi

By Robby Ngoba

Email, thecoastnewspapwr@gmail.com

The Law Society of Kenya has ordered the immediate closure of several unauthorized legal offices operating in Malindi Subcounty of Kilifi County.

Malindi branch LSK chairman Garama Kiponda, speaking to The Coast Media Group on Saturday, October 25, 2025, says the move is aimed at arresting individuals purporting to be legal practitioners.

This comes after an increase of reports and complaints about ‘rogue’ lawyers taking money from the public and later blocking them.

To avoid this, Kiponda urges member of the public to confirm the legality of their lawyers who offer them services by contacting the society for legal guidance.

“We urge the public cooperate with us by reporting these individuals to us. We are also requesting the public to visit the law society portal. Indicate the name of the lawyer and check if he/she is registered under the LSK and if they are an active lawyer.”

According to the chair the legal ‘quacks’ are setting up their law firms in small towns where they can perform under the radar while others are adopting names of existing advocates and taking advantage of virtual courts.

During the crackdown, the legal team discovered some confidential legal documents including affidavits and court pleadings were being stored in local cyber cafés rather than in secure legal offices.

He condemned that as a serious breach of client confidentiality and a violation of professional conduct.

The LSK has now issued formal notices to shut down all offices found operating without registered lawyers or certified legal assistants.

The directive takes effect immediately, starting October 25, 2025 henceforth.

Affected offices, according to him, may appeal by submitting a written explanation to the Malindi branch or national office, identifying the qualified personnel managing the office if any.

“This is about restoring accountability and protecting the public. Legal services must be delivered by professionals who uphold the law and ethical standards.”

Teresia Wavinya, a lawyer from the LSK national office and member of the legal standards committee, expressed concern that some impersonators may have been tipped off in advance of the inspection and shut down their offices to evade arrest.

“We suspect someone leaked information about the operation. Let this be a warning anyone pretending to be a lawyer will be caught and the law will not spare them,” she said.

She advised licensed lawyers with branch offices to comply with staffing regulations and encouraged them to hire newly qualified advocates instead of relying on untrained personnel.

Deputy chairperson of the LSK, Mwaua Kabata, backed the crackdown, stating that the directive aims to uphold the integrity of the legal profession.

He emphasized that all lawyers must adhere to their oath and the professional frameworks that govern their work.