A significant testimony was presented in the case involving Brian Mwenda, who stands accused of impersonating a lawyer and committing identity theft. Vivian Mosuna, an employee of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), testified in court regarding an unusual incident that took place in September 2023. Mwenda, who allegedly presented himself as an advocate, had contacted the LSK for assistance with accessing his online portal.
Mosuna recalled that, on September 22, 2023, Brian Mwenda reached out via email claiming he was unable to access his portal, seeking help with the matter. After assisting him, Mosuna received a follow-up phone call from another individual who also identified himself as Brian Mwenda Ndwiga. This second person, claiming to be the same advocate, reported having trouble with an account he had accessed and described the account as unrecognizable. What raised suspicion was his assertion that two advocates shared the same admission number, a claim Mosuna found highly unusual.
As a member of LSK, Mosuna understood that it is impossible for two advocates to share the same admission number, an essential identifier for lawyers in Kenya. Her response to the matter was to escalate the issue to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department for further investigation. The testimony raised serious concerns regarding the integrity of the legal profession, with the possibility of fraudulent practices undermining the system of legal admissions.
In cross-examination, Mosuna clarified that she had never received any direct requests from the accused for changes to his account, reinforcing her stance that the situation was unusual.
Brian Mwenda, who faces six counts, including making a false document and identity theft, has denied all charges. He stands accused of forging a certificate for admission to practice law as an advocate, a crime that has raised public alarm due to the potential harm such fraudulent activities could cause to clients and the legal system.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of fraudulent legal practitioners in Kenya, with LSK and other professional bodies remaining vigilant against impersonators who jeopardize the integrity of the legal profession. As the case continues, the public remains keen on seeing justice served in this high-profile matter.
