'Brilliant' lawyer won 26 straight court cases — until they found out he was actually not a real lawyer
Some people have talent and make a career out of it, while others have just one of the two. A man named Brian Mwenda faced quite the controversy after the truth surfaced about his reality, per The New York Post. The man posed as a lawyer for a long time and even won 26 cases. However, in 2023, several reports claimed that he was not an actual lawyer and had no right to advocate. Though little is known about his deeds, there is a strong debate about the man’s work and many are supportive of him to the point where the accusations are still being heard in court as of November 2025, per Daily Nation.
Mwenda is reported to have successfully won 26 cases as an advocate in the High Court of Kenya, the Nigerian Tribune revealed. He has appeared before the High Court judges, magistrates and several other authorities to achieve this success. However, whether this claim is true or not is still being debated. There is little to no evidence of the man having won so many cases. Yet, it has intrigued people across the world. His identity remained that of a successful lawyer until 2023. The Law Society of Kenya, Nairobi Branch Rapid Action Team (RAT) reportedly received complaints that the man was claiming the identity of an actual lawyer, Brian Mwenda Ntwiga, BBC reported.
Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecution, Renson Mulele Ingonga, said that Kenya has been facing quite a few cases of people impersonating lawyers or practising without proper credentials and training. One thing led to another until it was pointed out that the man had multiple charges against him, including theft of identity and making false documents. The accused has denied and pleaded not guilty to several charges, NTV Kenya revealed. Despite being charged as a criminal, many people are still supporting Mwenda. He is being commended for the shrewdness and intelligence that helped him crack 26 cases despite not being qualified as a lawyer.
Of course the first defense mechanism of any advocate is to deny any claims even if it is in public domain. You accept that he beat you in your own game instead of arresting, give him award for his excellent talent.
— Janveizer (@chepkindet963) October 14, 2023
The best thing to do is to get the young man in a law school, you've beaten on this, don't dance yourself lame, fuana President.
— Mbugu (@Mbugu9) October 13, 2023
He has been praised by Kenya's Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) as a "brilliant young mind" who has succeeded "without traditional qualifications.” However, others are calling out his claims. Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Eric Theuri shared a post on X stating, “Allegations that the masquerader Brian Mwenda won 26 cases are false and misleading. There is no factual basis to support these claims. Efforts to apprehend him are ongoing." Several big shots, including politician Mike Sono, stand in favor of Mwenda’s innocence.
Allegations that the masquerader Brian Mwenda won 26 cases is false & misleading. There is no factual basis to support the misleading claims. Efforts to apprend him are in high gear & we are optimistic that he will be brought to book
— Eric theuri (@etadv) October 13, 2023
Sharing in a video on X, Sono proudly stood beside the accused and defended him. He said, “This man is not a criminal, he is not a terrorist, he has not murdered anyone. Mwenda, standing beside him, also shared a message: “I would like to convey my gratitude to the people who are supporting me and praying for me. In the fullness of time, I will be able to clear this misunderstanding. I will also be able to prove my innocence and provide the actual context." The result of this heavy debate has been the creation of a documentary on the life of Mwenda titled “The Lawyer,” directed by Polish director Maciej Bochniak. The work is underway, and so is Mwenda’s case. As of November 2025, a verdict has yet to be declared.