Nairobi’s legal circles are reeling after explosive allegations surfaced involving Crooked Lawyer Chege Wainaina, a Nairobi-based advocate accused of orchestrating a multi-million-shilling fraud against a mentally disturbed woman.
The scandal centers around prime property located along Dennis Pritt Road, Nairobi, where Wainaina allegedly manipulated and dispossessed Lucy Wairimu Mwangi of land now worth over Sh100 million.
What began as a legal representation has spiraled into a full-blown legal and ethical crisis, revealing how vulnerable individuals are preyed upon by those meant to protect them.
Chege Wainaina’s Web of Deceit Exposed in Court and LSK Complaint
At the heart of this growing storm is Chege Wainaina & Company Advocates, a firm based on Lenana Road in Nairobi. Between 2006 and 2009, Wainaina represented Lucy Wairimu and her family in various property transactions. But instead of protecting her interests, he is now accused of orchestrating one of the most brazen legal frauds in recent history.
Wairimu, who suffers from mental illness, entrusted Wainaina with full authority over her affairs. In a civil suit (Milimani Commercial & Tax Division Civil Suit No. 185 of 2009), filed under her name against Monica Jackline Wambui and Pauline Mukuhi Ng’ang’a, shocking details emerged of how Wainaina used his position to enrich himself.
The properties involved include two high-value assets: Casablanca Villas House No. 6 (L.R No. 209/5829) and Dennis Court Flat No. 5 on Block A (L.R No. 1/328). The properties, acquired legally by Wairimu at Sh9,625,000 and Sh13,700,000 respectively, were later fraudulently transferred through forged documents and deceitful legal maneuvering.
According to a letter dated May 8, 2024, filed with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Wambui – a close relative and former co-owner – accuses Wainaina of violating his fiduciary duty and engaging in forgery, document falsification, and conspiracy to defraud.
Her complaint outlines how Wainaina abused Wairimu’s mental state to craft fake sale agreements and land transfer documents. These schemes allowed him to take control of the properties before their market value skyrocketed.
Forged Documents, Fraudulent Transfers and Banking Investigations
One of the most damning pieces of evidence is correspondence from the Banking Fraud Investigations Department, dated June 20, 2023. It references a prior letter from the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) dated June 8, 2023, and a complaint letter from Wambui Kibicho Advocates addressed to the DCI on May 23, 2023.
These documents directly link Wainaina to violations under Section 317 of the Penal Code—conspiracy to defraud. The charges suggest Wainaina not only acted alone but potentially worked with a network of enablers in the property registration process.
Wairimu purchased Casablanca Villas from Yegesh Pattni, paid through Victoria Bank Ltd. While living in Uganda, she secured a loan from Investments & Mortgages Bank (I&M Bank) to finance the second property. All transactions were aboveboard—until Wainaina intervened.
What followed was a calculated move to transfer the properties using forged signatures and misleading records. These criminal acts were disguised as legitimate transfers, taking advantage of loopholes in Kenya’s land registry and court systems.
The properties, bought for a combined total of Sh23.3 million, are now estimated to be worth over Sh100 million due to appreciation and location. This enormous gain, now allegedly in Wainaina’s hands, represents not only financial theft but also a deep betrayal of trust.
Calls for Disbarment and Prosecution Grow Louder
Wambui’s LSK complaint has triggered renewed calls within Kenya’s legal fraternity to disbar Chege Wainaina and initiate criminal prosecution. Legal experts argue that the case exposes long-standing flaws in Kenya’s justice system, particularly when it comes to protecting mentally incapacitated individuals from exploitation.
Civil society groups and property rights advocates have also weighed in, calling for urgent reforms in legal practice oversight. “This is more than a case of professional misconduct. It’s outright criminal behavior that cannot go unpunished,” said one Nairobi-based property lawyer familiar with the case.
LSK has confirmed receipt of the complaint and is said to be conducting internal investigations. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the ODPP and DCI to expedite criminal charges and ensure Wainaina is held accountable.
Lucy Wairimu, through her legal team, continues to pursue justice through the court system, but delays and legal technicalities have slowed the process. Her family insists they will not rest until the properties are returned and Wainaina is prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
