The lobby group Bunge La Mwananchi has formally lodged a complaint with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) against Nairobi-based advocate Charles Munga Kaguoya. The petition calls for disciplinary measures following accusations of professional misconduct in his representation of a client.
The complaint, submitted to the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal and copied to the Advocates Complaints Commission, alleges that Kaguoya breached professional ethics by representing opposing parties in the same dispute, withholding original title deeds, and intimidating his client, Peter Gathungu Gikonyo.
Maurice Masaga, president of Bunge La Mwananchi, stated that Kaguoya’s actions violated the LSK Code of Standards of Professional Practice and Ethical Conduct, as well as provisions of the Advocates Act and the Constitution.
Details of the Allegations
- Conflict of interest by representing both sides in a legal matter.
- Withholding of Gikonyo’s original title deeds and court documents despite formal requests.
- Inducing the client to sign a document without informed consent and using it against him in court.
- Persistent harassment via anonymous calls, infringing on the client’s rights to privacy and personal liberty.
Gikonyo, who participated in the demonstration outside the LSK offices, accused the advocate of fraud and causing him significant psychological and financial distress.
Call for Swift Action
Masaga gave the LSK a seven-day deadline to investigate and act on the complaint, emphasizing the need for a thorough inquiry and appropriate sanctions. Bunge La Mwananchi also expressed readiness to present Gikonyo’s testimony and evidence before the disciplinary tribunal.
As of the time of reporting, the Law Society of Kenya had not issued a response to the petition.
