The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has warned advocates to protect the integrity of the legal profession after two lawyers were arrested in separate cases involving allegations of misappropriating client funds and obtaining millions of shillings through a fake gold scheme.
LSK President Charles Kanjama said the cases, involving allegations of Sh49.4 million in client funds and a separate fake gold scheme involving millions of shillings, risk damaging public confidence in lawyers and the justice system. He, however, stressed that the two advocates remain innocent until proven guilty as investigations and court proceedings continue.
Kanjama called on lawyers to take greater responsibility for policing their profession, saying advocates must uphold the ethical standards expected of them and protect the trust placed in them by clients.
His remarks followed the arrest of Nairobi-based advocate Ally Ahmed Ally, who is being investigated over allegations that he stole Sh49,400,500 entrusted to him to facilitate the purchase of a parcel of land in Nairobi.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), detectives from the Nairobi Regional Office arrested Ally over allegations of stealing by an agent. The advocate practises under the law firm Rasheed Rage and Nassir Advocates.
Investigators allege that the money was entrusted to Ally by a client for a land transaction but was instead misappropriated.
In a separate case, advocate Alphonce Collins Odoyo Osewe was arrested after detectives obtained a warrant following his failure to appear before the Chief Magistrate's Court at Milimani to answer charges linked to an alleged fake gold deal.
Osewe was arrested within the Milimani Law Courts precincts before he was arraigned and charged with obtaining money by false pretences. The case relates to allegations involving Sh69,024,800, although LSK referred to the matter in its statement as a Sh61.8 million fake gold scheme.
Reacting to the two cases, Kanjama said the allegations should prompt lawyers to examine their conduct and their responsibility to clients and the wider justice system.
"The recent arrests of two lawyers over alleged fraud misappropriation of Sh49.4 million in client funds and involvement in a Sh61.8 million fake gold schemes have cast a shadow over the legal profession. While presumption of innocence must be respected, the scale of these allegations calls for serious introspection within the Bar. Trust forms the very foundation upon which legal practice is built. Clients entrust us not merely with legal matters, but with their livelihoods, and in doing so, expect honesty, diligence, and unimpeachable integrity. Where an advocate stands accused of misappropriating client funds, the consequences extend beyond the individual's career, undermining public confidence in the justice system and unjustly tarnishing the reputation of the many advocates who discharge their duties with dignity and professionalism."
The LSK president reminded lawyers of the oath they take when admitted to the Bar, saying the Society would continue pushing for high professional standards.
"Let me remind every member of the Law Society of Kenya of the solemn oath we took upon admission to the Bar. We swore to act as officers of the court and to conduct ourselves with rectitude. The Society maintains zero tolerance for professional misconduct and remains committed to ensuring the public receive legal services of the best quality. I call upon all Advocates to hold one another accountable, self-regulate with courage, and protect our reputation. Honesty and integrity must remain the hallmark of our practice. Let us unite and reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and restore the dignity of the Bar."
The two cases come as investigative agencies continue handling financial crime allegations involving advocates.
LSK said maintaining public confidence in the profession requires lawyers to observe their ethical duties, protect client interests and ensure that the legal profession remains guided by honesty and integrity.