The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya has formed a team to investigate the disappearance of Nairobi lawyer Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi. DCI Director Mohamed Amin stated that the National Police Service (NPS) received a report about Abdi's disappearance and is committed to investigating the case. Amin dismissed reports that police officers were involved in Abdi's alleged abduction.
Abdi went missing on November 1, 2026, after being approached by masked men along Muchai Road, off Ngong Road in Nairobi. The men, allegedly armed with guns and dressed in tactical military gear, forced Abdi to kneel before bundling him into a black Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TX. The incident occurred at around 4am. Amin urged the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to share any information it may have about Abdi's disappearance to help investigators.
Amin defended the police service, stating that officers follow the Constitution, the Criminal Procedure Code, and NPS Standing Orders when making arrests. He added that police process suspects at stations and bring them before court within the constitutionally required 24 hours, where they can exercise their rights. Amin also stated that the DCI makes its records available to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other oversight bodies.
The family of Abdi has appealed for his safe release and filed a habeas corpus application at the Milimani High Court, seeking urgent intervention. The application asks the court to order security agencies to produce Abdi and account for his whereabouts. Amin urged anyone with information about the missing lawyer to come forward and cooperate with the investigation.
Amin made the statements at the launch of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) Strategic Plan 2026–2030. He invited the LSK to share any information it may have about Abdi's disappearance, saying, "Please, should you be having any information relating to the disappearance of the lawyer, share with us. If you do not trust the NPS, share it with other oversight bodies."
The investigation into Abdi's disappearance is ongoing, with the DCI team working to establish what happened. The police service has committed to investigating the case and urged anyone with information to come forward. The incident has raised concerns about security and the safety of lawyers in Kenya.
The family of Abdi had previously revealed in court papers that he had received threats before his disappearance. The police investigation is ongoing, and the court has not yet ruled on the habeas corpus application. The case has attracted widespread attention, with many calling for Abdi's safe release and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
Key points
- The Kenyan police have formed a team to investigate the disappearance of lawyer Abshir Abdi.
- The DCI has dismissed claims of police involvement in Abdi's disappearance.
- The family of Abdi has filed a habeas corpus application seeking urgent intervention in the case.
