The Law Society of Kenya has cleared top Nairobi lawyer Cecil Miller of allegations made by Kenya’s Ambassador to India Peter Munyiri, confirming that the advocate owes no refund or outstanding debt arising from previous legal work.
According to official records reviewed by the LSK, the complaint was filed earlier this year but was closed after the Society established that the matter was already before a court of law and therefore outside its disciplinary jurisdiction.
In a statement dated April 2025, the LSK said it had reviewed both the complaint and existing pleadings in HCCC E053 of 2023, a civil case between Miller and Munyiri. The professional body concluded that the issues raised were part of ongoing court proceedings and could not be revisited administratively.
“We have perused the complainant’s letter dated 1st April 2025 and also reviewed the pleadings in HCCC E053 of 2023, Cecil Guyana Miller versus Peter Munyiri. We have determined that the allegations against the Advocate are the subject of the pending court case. The Law Society of Kenya does not have jurisdiction to determine a complaint whose issues are before a competent court,” the Society said.
Online Smear Campaign Backfires
Despite this official clarification, sources within the legal fraternity say Ambassador Munyiri has allegedly continued to sponsor online narratives and social media posts targeting the veteran advocate. The posts accuse Miller of failing to refund alleged excess payments, but the claims have now been discredited by both documentary evidence and the LSK’s findings.
Email exchanges between the two, dating as far back as March 2016, show that all funds sent by Munyiri were explicitly acknowledged by Miller as legal fees for professional services. The correspondence includes direct confirmations from the Ambassador acknowledging that the payments were made in settlement of legal work done, not as a loan or refundable deposit.
The newly revealed documents appear to reinforce the LSK’s determination, leaving no legal or ethical basis for the refund demand.
Miller’s Reputation Reaffirmed
Cecil Miller, one of Kenya’s most distinguished legal practitioners, has represented high-profile clients in both civil and criminal matters for more than two decades. His record includes appearances in complex litigation, arbitration, and sensitive political cases.
Legal observers say the latest LSK finding is a major vindication for the lawyer, whose name has been trending in recent weeks following a wave of online allegations.
“Cecil Miller has built his career on professional integrity and adherence to legal ethics,” said a senior advocate familiar with the case. “These claims were meant to damage his reputation, but the LSK’s decision restores the truth.”
LSK Moves to Protect Members from Smear Campaigns
The Law Society’s intervention comes at a time when professional reputations are increasingly targeted through coordinated online smear campaigns. The Society’s leadership has reiterated its commitment to protect advocates from unfounded accusations that are either politically motivated or designed to gain leverage in unrelated disputes.
By officially confirming that no money is owed, the LSK has effectively put an end to the weeks of speculation surrounding the dispute. The statement also underscores the body’s broader effort to preserve trust in Kenya’s legal profession.
A senior LSK official speaking on condition of anonymity said the Society will continue to resist attempts to use its disciplinary channels as tools of personal vendetta. “The Society cannot be used to settle private scores or interfere with matters already before court. We are guided by due process,” the official said.
A Blow to False Narratives
The LSK’s decision is also seen as a significant setback to individuals who have sought to use social media platforms to tarnish the names of senior legal professionals. Legal experts have called for caution and responsibility in public discourse, warning that online defamation is now being used as a weapon against advocates handling sensitive matters.
For Miller, the ruling brings closure to a drawn-out episode that threatened to overshadow his decades-long career. His associates describe him as relieved but focused on moving forward with his work.
“This has been an unnecessary distraction,” one close colleague told Kenya Today. “The facts have always been clear. The payments were for legal services. There was no debt, no refund due, and no misconduct.”
The Broader Picture
The case also highlights a recurring challenge facing professional bodies in Kenya — balancing freedom of expression with the protection of reputations. The LSK’s firm stance in this case is being viewed as a warning to those who use public platforms to settle private disputes without evidence.
Analysts note that the rise of online smear campaigns has blurred the line between accountability and defamation, forcing institutions to respond quickly to protect their members.
“The LSK’s decision sets an important precedent,” said a Nairobi-based lawyer. “It sends a message that professional integrity cannot be destroyed by social media noise. The Society will act on facts, not gossip.”
With the LSK’s findings now on record, the long-running dispute between Ambassador Peter Munyiri and lawyer Cecil Miller appears legally settled. The confirmation that no debt exists effectively clears the air and discredits months of speculation spread through blogs and online forums.
For now, the Law Society of Kenya’s determination stands as a strong reminder that in matters of law and reputation, facts still matter more than noise.
