Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli on Sunday, October 15, refused to apologize over his sentiments affirming his support for the suspected fake lawyer, Brian Mwenda.
In a statement, the COTU boss hit out at members of the society for what he presented as selective application of ethics.
Atwoli claimed that several lawyers have in the past been implicated in unethical practices including swindling money from unsuspecting clients.
He also alleged that members of the society have swindled money to the tune of millions and that COTU had received countless petitions from Kenyans complaining about losing money to rogue lawyers.
As such, Atwoli urged the association to deal with such lawyers rather than just focusing on the isolated case of Brian Mwenda.
“I am not prepared, willing and available to issue any apology or withdraw my support for Brian Mwenda and calls for Recognition of Prior Learning in the field of Law,” the COTU Secretary General said.
In his statement, Atwoli called upon the LSK to convene an emergency meeting and thereafter report on their findings regarding the reported cases of rogue lawyers.
Also Read: Sonko Slapped with Demands After Meeting Brian Mwenda
Furthermore, the COTU boss went on to cite an expose by NTV, aired in 2022 that highlighted the plight of clients accusing lawyers of defrauding them of their hard-earned money in the process of pursuing justice.
“If today LSK were to ask Kenyans who have been swindled by lawyers to assemble in stadiums across the country, I am sure that ALL our stadiums, including the ones under construction for AFCON, would be full to capacity,” the COTU boss alleged.
Atwoli Volunteers to Name “Rogue” Lawyers
Additionally, the trade unionist volunteered to present names of lawyers he claimed had been implicated in cases of swindling money from clients.
To sum up his statement, Atwoli reaffirmed that LSK had no moral authority to call out Brian Mwenda for his actions as a big number of professionals in the sector still acted in violation of the same ethical standards.
Also Read: Atwoli Declares Support for Brian Mwenda
Instead, the COTU boss vouched for inclusivity and appreciation for apprenticeship by implementing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Nonetheless, Atwoli’s response came on the back of sharp criticism from LSK and other prominent lawyers for his stance declaring support for Mwenda.
On Saturday, October 14, LSK President Eric Theuri warned politicians and Kenyans in general against associating or lauding Mwenda for his action, maintaining that he was a fugitive running away from the law.
