A man practicing under the name “Brian Mwenda” was urged to be arrested on Thursday by legal officials in Kenya.

“Masquerader” Brian Mwenda Ntwiga stole the identity of a real lawyer, they said.

Despite not being trained, a “fake lawyer” won dozens of lawsuits.

It has captivated the East African country over the past few days, eliciting reactions ranging from outrage to amusement.

Despite being condemned by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Director of Public Prosecutions, the alleged imposter has gained several supporters.

Kenya’s Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has hailed him as a “brilliant young mind” who has succeeded “without traditional qualifications”.

Mike Sonko, a controversial former Nairobi governor, has also backed him.

In a video posted on social media, Mr Sonko said the man standing next to him is the accused “fake lawyer”.

In the video, a man who appeared to be Mr Mwenda said: “I would like to express my gratitude to those who are supporting me and praying for me… in due course, I will be able to clear this misunderstanding.”.

Additionally, I will be able to prove my innocence and provide the actual context.”

On Monday or Tuesday, he will go to a police station and provide officers with a statement.

Sonko, who has been accused of drug trafficking and money laundering, said those attacking the “fake lawyer” are “nincompoops”.

“He has never killed anyone, he is not a terrorist,” Mr Sonko said.

Kenya’s director of public prosecutions said Mr Mwenda would be prosecuted despite this backing.