Atwoli's Request To LSK Over Fake Lawyer Brian Mwenda

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has urged the Law Society of Kenya to beseech the courts to drop charges against fake lawyer Brian Mwenda.

In a statement on Wednesday, January 17, Atwoli said Mwenda should be freed since the Cabinet approved the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework.

He stated that Mwenda should be subjected to various processes as contained in the guidelines on RPL.

“In this regard, COTU (K) calls upon the Law Society of Kenya, in supporting the move by the Government of Kenya to promote RPL, to beseech the courts to drop all charges against Brian Njagi and subject him to the various processes as contained in the guidelines on RPL,” read the statement in part.

The COTU boss commended President William Ruto and his Cabinet for approving the RPL framework saying it acknowledges and values the knowledge, skills, and competencies individuals acquire through non-traditional learning pathways.

“It's worth noting that many Kenyan youth, despite their outstanding abilities acquired through practical experience, self-study, and non-formal educational avenues, often find themselves excluded from opportunities in the formal sector because the system typically prioritizes qualifications from traditional learning pathways,” said Atwoli.

The trade unionist also said the RPL Framework will ensure that thousands of youth, in both formal and informal sectors of the economy, acquire a formal qualification that matches their knowledge and skills, and thereby contribute to improving their employability, mobility, lifelong learning, social inclusion, and self-esteem.

Mwenda was on October 2023 arrested and charged with six counts of uttering a false document, making a false document, as well as a practicing certificate.

He pleaded not guilty and was freed on a Sh 200,000 cash bail.

On January 9, Mwenda was ordered to present himself at the Muthaiga police station following a warrant of arrest that had been issued against him by the Makadara Law courts.