A court in Siakago has sentenced Jane Kiura to two years in prison for falsely posing as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and defrauding a client seeking legal services.
The conviction follows evidence presented by the prosecution proving that Kiura impersonated a lawyer and obtained money by false pretences. She was found guilty of both impersonating a High Court advocate and fraudulently acquiring funds.
Details of the Case
According to prosecution counsel Fridah Makena, Kiura falsely represented herself as an advocate between November 19 and December 2, 2024, operating in Siakago town, Mbeere North Sub-County. She obtained KSh 229,000 from John Ngari by claiming she worked under I. Mwai, an advocate and commissioner for oaths, and promised to assist in processing a title deed—services she never delivered.
Resident Magistrate J.N. Githiaga ruled that the prosecution had established the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Closure of Fake Law Office
The court also noted that Kiura had been operating an office at Eva Plaza in Siakago town, presenting herself as an advocate. The judgment acknowledged the role of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) in monitoring cases of impersonation and directed the LSK Practice, Ethics, and Standards Committee to close the office immediately.
Additionally, the committee was ordered to confiscate stamps bearing the name of J.I. Mwai, advocate and commissioner for oaths, which were allegedly being misused by Kiura.
The sentencing underscores ongoing efforts by Kenyan authorities and the LSK to safeguard the public against individuals fraudulently posing as legal professionals.
