The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) in Thika has embarked on a programme to weed out quack lawyers in the courts after a growing concern about their influx, conning several unsuspecting members of the public in the area.
During a Law Awareness Week programme at the Thika Law Courts, the lawyers said efforts will be dedicated towards educating the public on the need to get qualified lawyers to defend them in court.
Led by Thika Branch Secretary Patrick Kung’u, they said the fake lawyers attract clients with very low fees often trapping unsuspecting citizens who are unaware of their lack of legitimacy and experience in tackling court cases, and in most cases never win cases.
“It’s a concern that fake lawyers are infiltrating our courts and in most cases, end up losing cases that otherwise could easily have been won had suspects got qualified lawyers. That is why this legal week will address this issue to help citizens,” said Kung’u.
He said the event, set to run for five days, will also take place in other court centers in Ruiru, Gatundu, and Kamwangi.
“This is a way of dealing with masqueraders a menace giving both the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the members of the public a headache,” he added.
Jane Wanjiku, the Kiambu representative for the Nairobi LSK branch encouraged residents to visit various courts in the County this week for free legal advice on issues affecting them.
Thika Chief Magistrate, Stella Atambo emphasized the need for public awareness, noting that the expansion of court services through digital systems, including payment platforms has helped in reducing opportunities for fraud and corruption by brokers.
“We ask the public to use the courts’ digital systems, pay through banks and get receipts. Corruption has increased due to fraudsters taking advantage of uninformed publics therefore the initiative will educate the public on court services and how it operates,” Atambo said.
She added that the awareness week is expected to increase transparency and protect citizens from fraudsters, while empowering them with the knowledge to engage with and navigate the legal system confidently.
– By Charles Karani & Muoki Charles, KNA
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