Nairobi, Kenya: The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) wants the Registrar General to revoke registration of a global law firm accused of operating illegally in the country.
The LSK Secretary and CEO Mr. Apollo Mboya has written to the Registrar General Ms. Bernice Gachegu claiming that Fragomen Law Firm is illegal and masquerading as such in Nairobi.
“Fragomen Law Firm has disguised itself and entered the Kenyan legal market in complete contravention of the law,” Mr. Mboya said.
But in a quick rejoinder, Fragomen Kenya Limited through its counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi denied it is a law firm. In a terse response to LSK, Ahmednasir said his client is private company registered by shares under Cap 486 of the Laws of Kenya.
Records in possession of the LSK indicate that the law firm added its new regional office in Nairobi among 45 others in 19 countries worldwide.
Mr. Mboya said that the LSK will move to court within seven days, if the certificate of registration of the firm masquerading as a law firm is not cancelled.
“We (LSK) shall seek necessary court orders and also request the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to institute criminal proceedings against all concerned parties,” Mr. Mboya said.
Official documents in possession of LSK show that the outfit was initially registered as Brant Holding Kenya on August 23, 2013 before changing its name to Fragomen Kenya Ltd on April 2, 2014.
“Its physical location is on 9 West Building, junction of Parklands Road and Mkungu Close in Westlands, Nairobi,” Mr. Mboya said.
The letter which Mr. Mboya wrote to the Registrar General dated October 8, 2014 was copied to the firm’s lawyer Mr. Ahmednasir.
But Ahmednasir said the claims by LSK letter were off the mark and Fragomen Kenya Limited has no intention of closing the office as it is a lawful and law abiding corporate citizen.
It was also copied to the DPP Mr. Keriako Tobiko, SC, Department of Immigration Principal Officer and LSK Chairman Mr. Eric Mutua.
The practice of law is governed by the Advocates Act, which sets out the qualifications to practice as an advocate.
Section 34 of the Advocates Act provides that no unqualified person shall directly or indirectly offer legal services.
The LSK CEO wrote a letter to Fragomen Law Firm Tuesday to close shop with immediate effect or risk legal proceedings for masquerading as a law firm.
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Mr. Mboya copied the letter to the DPP Mr. Keriako Tobiko and the Department of Immigration.
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