A Mombasa resident, Ahmed, has raised serious allegations against a local lawyer, Mr. George Odull of George Odull and Associates, accusing him of withholding Ksh 1.9 million from the proceeds of a land sale.
The lawyer, whose office is located on the 3rd floor of Ralli House in Mombasa, is now facing an investigation by both the Advocates Complaints Commission (ACC) and the Mombasa Law Society.
According to Ahmed, the ordeal began in late 2023 when he and his wife sold a piece of land, with the total proceeds amounting to Ksh 6.4 million.
The funds were entrusted to their lawyer, Mr. Odull, as per the agreement between the two parties.
After several weeks of follow-up, the lawyer eventually released Ksh 4.5 million.
However, the balance of Ksh 1.9 million remains unpaid despite Ahmed’s continued efforts to recover it over the past year.
Ahmed detailed his frustrations in a statement, highlighting the rogue behavior of Mr. Odull and his office staff.
“The lawyer has utterly refused to pay us the balance for the last year,” Ahmed lamented.
“We’ve followed up on the issue at his office, but he dodges the place like the plague. His secretary, Harriett Otieno, is his henchman, ready to fight anyone who dares ask for their money from the rogue lawyer.”
The couple has since reported the case to the Mombasa Law Society, which initially sent one letter to Mr. Odull regarding the matter.
However, Ahmed claims that no further action has been taken to remind the lawyer of his obligation.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, Ahmed presented the case to the Advocates Complaints Commission (ACC), which investigates unethical practices within the legal profession.
“The ACC is like the Hague for rogue lawyers in Kenya,” Ahmed remarked, expressing hope that the commission will bring justice to his case.
“Our scam lawyer hasn’t even responded to the ACC letters.
The impunity is at that level. It’s now reached the disciplinary phase, though the process is painfully slow.”
Ahmed’s frustration is compounded by his family’s urgent need for the withheld funds, as his wife requires treatment in India.
He claims that despite explaining their dire situation to the lawyer, Mr. Odull has remained indifferent, refusing to release the remaining money.
“I had explained this to the scam lawyer and even wanted to share my wife’s medical report with him,” Ahmed said.
In his statement, Ahmed also revealed that Mr. Odull had experienced a personal tragedy, as his own wife passed away from cancer.
“By the way, this rogue lawyer’s wife died of cancer and he wants to make sure the same thing happens to his clients,” Ahmed alleged, expressing the emotional toll this legal battle has taken on his family.
Ahmed claims to have evidence of Mr. Odull’s misconduct, including an audio recording where the lawyer falsely claims to have made the full payment in an attempt to dismiss Ahmed from his office.
“I also have an audio recording of the rogue lawyer telling me he has already made the payment so that I can leave his office and not cause a scene,” Ahmed stated.
Despite repeated calls to Mr. Odull, Ahmed says the lawyer has refused to answer any communication from him.
He further alleges that Mr. Odull has scammed other clients as well and is encouraging them to come forward and file complaints with the ACC.
Ahmed concluded his appeal by urging Mombasa residents to avoid Mr. Odull and be cautious when dealing with rogue lawyers.
“Please warn all Mombasa residents to avoid this scammer who pretends to be a lawyer at all costs.”
The case is now under formal investigation, and Ahmed remains determined to recover the funds and hold Mr. Odull accountable for his actions.
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