The High Court in Kakamega has issued an arrest order for a man who allegedly posed as a lawyer in a land dispute case.
This move came after an admission made in court on Monday April 7,2025 that he has been illegally preparing court documents and pleadings for unrepresented persons.
The incident, which has shaken the legal community, revolves around a man identified as John Barasa Kausi, who reportedly misrepresented himself as a legal professional and prepared court documents for unrepresented litigants, including in the ongoing land dispute case between Fredrick Mutachi Lumunyasi, Jotham Barasa Lusasi, and Mary Beatrice Soita.
The case took a dramatic turn on April 7, 2025, when the matter came up for mention before Hon. Lady Justice Annette Nyukuri in open court.
The court session proceeded in the absence of all the parties involved, but the focus shifted entirely to one individual: John Barasa Kausi
In a stunning turn of events, the court issued an order for the immediate arrest of Barasa, following his confession that he had been preparing legal documents for unrepresented individuals for over a year.
This included submissions filed in the ongoing land dispute case.
His actions have raised serious questions about the authenticity of the legal documents filed in various cases, potentially undermining the integrity of the court system.
The court’s order, issued by Deputy Registrar of the Environment and Land Court Kakamega, read in part: “That John Barasa Kausi be arrested forthwith and be interrogated at Kakamega Police Station, and relevant charges be filed against him in regard to his confirmation and admission that he has been preparing court pleadings and documents for unrepresented persons for the last one year, including submissions filed in this case.”
The decision has prompted further actions from the legal fraternity.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the body responsible for overseeing the conduct of legal practitioners, was also alerted.
The court directed that the LSK Chairperson, Mr. Ondielo, be updated on the progress of the prosecution of Kausi.
In a statement following the court order, a source within the LSK expressed their concern, saying: “We take these allegations very seriously. The integrity of our legal system depends on the highest standards of professionalism, and any breach of these standards is a matter of great concern. We are closely monitoring the developments in this case and expect a full investigation.”
