Residents of Kisumu have raised concerns over allegations of fraudulent activities by a lawyer practicing in the city, accusing him of conning clients and colluding with rogue court officials to deny them justice.
The lawyer in question, Clifford Obiero—who is also an aspirant for the Rangwe parliamentary seat in Homa Bay County—has been accused of failing to represent clients despite receiving legal fees.
According to George Midega, Chairperson of the Kisumu Kanyakwar Boda Boda Riders Association, Obiero fraudulently obtained Ksh. 340,000 from their association but failed to provide legal representation.
“He colluded with rogue court officials to have our quest for justice thwarted after obtaining money from us,” claimed Midega.
The association had sued a Kisumu-based factory over land-grabbing allegations in the Nyamasaria area, a case that was entrusted to Obiero.
“We settled on him to help us reclaim our grabbed piece of land, only to realize that he was working with those who wanted to steal from us. How can this be possible?” Midega questioned.
Obiero operates under the law firm Obiero and Associates Advocates, located at Re-Insurance Plaza, Block C, Jomo Kenyatta Highway. However, complainants have now written to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), accusing him of impersonating an advocate and using a firm name that closely resembles that of a registered lawyer.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has vowed to investigate and take action against individuals masquerading as advocates. If found guilty of professional misconduct, Obiero risks being struck off the Roll of Advocates.
The Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal (ADT), established under Section 57 of the Advocates Act, Cap 16, is responsible for handling complaints against legal practitioners. If the allegations against Obiero are substantiated, the Judiciary’s Chief Registrar could ratify recommendations to disbar him.
Under the Advocates Act, individuals found guilty of professional misconduct—including dishonorable conduct incompatible with legal practice—face severe penalties. The law stipulates that disbarred or suspended advocates must not seek or accept employment without disclosing their status. Violators could face fines of up to Ksh. 50,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
Beyond legal troubles, Obiero has also been linked to political violence in Homa Bay County. County Commissioner Moses Lilan recently warned him against hiring goons from Migori and Kisumu to disrupt funerals in Rangwe Constituency.
“We will have no alternative but to have him arrested, charged, and possibly barred from contesting because we have never had this culture of hooliganism until he announced his candidature,” Lilan stated.
The affected residents are now calling for swift legal action to ensure justice prevails.
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