Two quack lawyers arrested in Malindi as LSK intensifies crackdown

Some of the rubber stamps recovered from the two suspected fake lawyers nabbed in a joint operation between police and officials of the Law Society of Kenya on February 24, 2026./KNA

The Law Society of Kenya has confirmed the arrest of two suspected quack lawyers in Malindi town during an ongoing nationwide crackdown targeting individuals illegally practising law.

Steve Mbugua, an LSK member and head of the council’s Practice Standards Committee, said the operation in Malindi followed numerous complaints from members of the public about individuals masquerading as advocates.

“We travelled from Nairobi to inspect law firms operating unlawfully after receiving complaints. We are putting all such individuals on notice and will continue working with the police and local LSK leadership to ensure appropriate action is taken,” Mbugua said while addressing the press in Malindi on Tuesday.

He revealed that the suspects had allegedly been posing as qualified lawyers for more than five years, using rubber stamps belonging to genuine advocates without their knowledge.

“Some of these individuals have been using rubber stamps of advocates who were not aware their credentials were being misused. This is a serious offence and those involved will face the law,” he added.

Mbugua urged members of the public to verify advocates’ identity cards and valid practising certificates before seeking legal services.

“Members of the public must always ask to see an advocate’s LSK identification and a valid practising certificate to ensure they are dealing with a genuine lawyer,” he said.

LSK Malindi Branch Chairperson Sirya Garama Kiponda said the two arrested suspects were found with documents not recognised by the Society’s national office and were illegally using stamps belonging to legitimate advocates.

“We have been receiving complaints from clients who have been conned by individuals purporting to be lawyers yet they are not recognised by the Law Society of Kenya. We urge anyone who has fallen victim to the scams to report so that action can be taken,” Kiponda said.

According to Mbugua, since the committee began operations two years ago, at least 10 quack lawyers have been arrested across the country, with LSK vowing to sustain the crackdown to restore integrity in the legal profession.