NAIROBI, November 10 – The Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang’ has been struck off the roll of advocates yet again.
He was on a list of more than 80 lawyers whose names were on Monday widely circulated for the public’s knowledge by the Law Society of Kenya’s (LSK) disciplinary committee.
A source told Capital News that the Minister was deregistered “following allegations of embezzling client’s money.”
Mr Kajwang’ has previously been barred from practicing law but was reinstated by a High Court decision.
But his name came up again two months ago at a hearing by a professional disciplinary panel. The committee found he had a case to answer.
Lawyers are usually suspended or barred from practicing after the accusations are placed before the Advocates Complaints Committee.
The list of 87 names was published in the local dailies, representing the highest number of advocates who have received the reprimand at any one time from the Law Society of Kenya.
LSK Council Member Evans Monari said previously, the society only published the names of errant lawyers in an internal gazette.
He told Capital News that the LSK had now decided to go public with names as a means of deterring any of the lawyers from changing addresses and practicing in other towns illegally.
“This is in the public’s best interest so they are not subjected to unfair practices again,” he said in a telephone interview.
Mr Monari added that previously the Advocates Disciplinary Committee was not seen to be doing its work simply because the names of the dishonest lawyers were not published. “The errant lawyers have really ruined the profession’s repute,” he said.
A statement by the Committee secretary says those who have been struck off may be reinstated after they serve a minimum of five years off the bar or through a High Court order. Those suspended may be reinstated after they have completed re-admission requirements.
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