DPP Orders IG Koome To Investigate Fake Lawyer Brian Mwenda

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has directed Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to investigate Brian Mwenda, who was exposed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for allegedly posing as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya to defraud unsuspecting clients.

In a statement on Saturday, October 14, Ingonga urged Koome to expedite investigations into Mwenda on a suspected case of identity theft of Brian Mwenda Ntwiga, whom LSK revealed was a victim of the crime.

The DPP added that his office will independently review the evidence collected from the investigations and advise on the way forward regarding the prosecution of the suspect.

"I have directed the Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS) to undertake expedited comprehensive investigations in respect of the suspected case of identity theft of the said BRIAN MWENDA NTWIGA, among others, with the view to possible prosecution, upon criminal culpability being established.

"Upon receipt of the inquiry file, the ODPP shall undertake an independent review of the evidence, guided by the provisions of the Constitution, the relevant statutory provisions and the ODPP Decision to Charge Guidelines, 2019 and give appropriate directions," stated the ODPP.

The office added that it shall give an update on the matter as and when it receives the resultant inquiry file.

The DPP further instructed the IG to extend investigations to other individuals who were also impersonating lawyers.

Ingonga noted that the legal profession was considered vital in the fair administration of justice and Kenyans expect the most from lawyers whom they turn to for advice and representation in Court and other legal matters.

"Impersonators threaten not only the legal practice but the larger access to justice. Indeed, they pose a serious threat to the practice of law and are likely to have committed various offences under the laws of Kenya," the DPP added.

"It is noteworthy that the legal profession is key to the fair administration of justice and peaceful settlement of disputes in our judicial and quasi-judicial institutions. Kenyans therefore expect nothing less than utmost integrity within legal practice."

The directive came hours after Mwenda resurfaced for the first time since being exposed by LSK who appealed to the police to launch a manhunt against him.

Mwenda was in the company of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko at the latter's Mombasa office and he reiterated his promise to bail him out as well as drive him to DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road to record a statement.

“We are going to bail this guy out. DCI we will produce this guy to your offices, probably on Monday or Tuesday for him to record a statement,” Sonko promised.

The former county boss further assured that Mwenda was ready to face the authorities at whatever cost.

On his part, the accused, Mwenda, declared that he was ready to prove his innocence if granted the opportunity.

"I am ready to provide the actual context of what is really happening because it should be inconceivable to anyone with a brain that I have all this prowess,” the accused claimed.