LSK speaks on advocate Cliff Ombeta ‘inactive’ member claims & eligibility to represent Pastor Ezekiel.

The Law Society of Kenya, through the secretary CEO, Florence W. Muturi says says they have noted the concerns raised by members on social media platforms regarding one of their members Mr. Cliff Ombeta Advocate who has been publicized by the media as the legal representative of Pastor Ezekiel Odero currently accused of crimes in relation to the Shakahola murders.

According to LSK, it was noted that on the advocates search engine, the advocate had appeared as ‘Inactive’ and therefore not holding a current practicing certificate for the year 2023 yet he has been reported to be actively representing clients and taking instructions.

The advocate’s status, LSK says, on Tuesday morning 2nd May, 2023 updated to Active’ thus raising various issues and accusations that the Society has colluded with the advocate to change his status.

The LSK responded by asking Kenyans to kindly note the following:

The advocate did a notice of intention to take out his practicing certificate for the year 2023 pursuant to Section 25 of the Advocates Act having not held a Practising Certificate in the year 2022.

The application was tabled before the Council on 26th January, 2023 and approved. The advocate was notified, by letter, on 2nd February. 2023.

The application was approved on the condition that the advocate paid backfees and any other fees required. The advocate paid backfees, Advocates Benevolent Association (ABA) fees and CPD fees on 7th March, 2023.

That upon payment, he was eligible to apply for the practicing certificate 2023.

The advocate paid for his practicing certificate on 1* May, 2023 at 4.36pm and was issued a receipt, via the portal, on the same date. Upon payment, the system automatically activates the member on the next roll over, which was the morning of 2nd May, 2023.

LSK further note that there are allegations of the advocate having practiced without a practicing 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.”