The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is probing advocate Cliff Ombeta over allegations of practising without a license.
According to the society, once the investigations are done and sufficient proof is obtained, a complaint will be filed by the relevant tribunal.
“We note that there are allegations of the advocate (Ombeta) having practised without a practising certificate for the first part of the year and as far back as last year. The allegations are being investigated and when sufficient evidence is collected, a formal complaint against the advocate will be lodged with the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal,” a statement by CEO Florence Muturi said.
The statement followed an uproar by a section of social media users who alleged that the lawyer’s practising certificate was listed as inactive.
They accused the lawyer of practising even as of late last year, despite his license being inactive.
His status was inactive even on May 1, 2023.
The users also accused the LSK of colluding with the lawyer to have his certificate renewed.
However, according to the LSK, Ombeta started the process of restoring his practising license in January and has been following the laid down procedure.
Muturi said Ombeta’s application was approved on condition that he paid backfees and any other payments that would be required, which he did by March 7.
She further explained that the lawyer paid for the certificate on May 1, but their system automatically activates the member on the next rollover, which is May 2.
“The application was tabled before the council on 26th January 2023 and approved. The advocate was notified, by letter on 2nd February, 2023… The advocate paid for his practising certificate on 1st May, 2023 at 4.36 pm and was issued a receipt, via the portal, on the same date.”
The matter came up as soon as Ombeta came on board as one of the lawyers representing embattled televangelist Ezekiel Odero. The other is Danstan Omari.
Ombeta had on Tuesday insisted that his certificate was active.
