Ralph Edward Nguma Nzwii, a fake lawyer who has been masquerading as an advocate of the High Court has been apprehended in Kenya.
Nzwii who was charged before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, is facing three charges of forgery, presenting forged documents and masquerading as an advocate.
The Director of Public Prosecution informed the court that an investigation conducted by the DCI detectives revealed that the fake lawyer Nziwii has represented several litigants since 2018 in different matters and courts across the country.
It is alleged that on October 24, 2018, at the Mombasa High Court of Kenya, Commercial and Admiralty Division, the suspect who is not qualified as an advocate, represented a Chinese national Liu Dong Sheng in Miscellaneous Application No. 362 of 2018 China New Era Vs Ocean View Residency Limited and Whintto Architects (K) Limited before the Deputy Registrar of the High Court.
It was also alleged that on February 24, 2022, at an unknown place within the Republic of Kenya, with intent to defraud, Nziwii forged a release agreement purporting it to be a genuine release agreement made and signed by Arwa and Change Advocates, releasing themselves from representing the Estate of Yongi Family as special administrators.
On April 28, 2022, at Milimani High Court Commercial Division, in Nairobi County within the Republic of Kenya, it is alleged that he knowingly and fraudulently uttered a forged release agreement purporting it to be a genuine release agreement made and signed by Arwa and Change Advocates.
Nzwii has however maintained that he is innocent of the accusations and urged the magistrate to release him on lenient bail terms. However, the prosecution and LSK have opposed Nzwii’s release on bail stating that the matter is of public interest. The prosecution has said that he is a flight risk and if released he might abscond.
The magistrate ordered Nzwii to be remanded at Industrial Area Remand Prison pending a pre-bail report.
The suspect’s arrest is coming days after Law Society of Kenya president Eric Theuri called for the prosecution of Brian Mwenda who won all his cases as a “fake lawyer”.
