Lawyers in Meru say quacks reason why most people lose court cases
What you need to know:
- Mt Kenya Bar Association Chairperson Linda Kiome said the issue has affected service delivery.
- Mr Muriuki said they have a list of people who are authorised to act on behalf of court users.
- Last year, a man masquerading as a lawyer was jailed for 18 months.
Lawyers in Meru County have raised the alarm over the invasion into the profession by quacks who are defrauding litigants while pretending to represent them in various cases.
Led by Meru Bar Association Chairman Ken Muriuki, the lawyers said the impostors usually cause delays in various disputes where most clients lose.
Speaking after visiting the Maua DCIO office in Igembe South, the lawyers said the quacks have invaded the town renowned for miraa trade owing to the numerous land cases and are promising customers favourable results.
“They have been drawing documents and representing clients purporting to be advocates which is illegal. There are so many quacks in Maua who are taking advantage of the residents and thus they lose property,” said Mr Muriuki.
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He said a hawk-eyed resident pointed out that a man who was not a lawyer was seeking to represent residents in a land dispute.
Mr Muriuki advised litigants to conduct searches on the people they intend to engage as lawyers saying they have a list of people who are authorised to act on behalf of court users.
Mt Kenya Bar Association Chairperson Linda Kiome said the issue has affected service delivery in many courts since many cases had to be stopped midway once it was discovered that a quack was handling a matter.
Last year, a man masquerading as a lawyer was jailed for 18 months.
