The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has strongly condemned the alleged abduction of Nairobi-based advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi. LSK President Charles Kanjama expressed concern over the disappearance, saying it may be linked to Abdi's involvement in a criminal case before the Makadara Law Courts. Abdi is reportedly a complainant and key witness in the case. The LSK received earlier correspondence raising concerns over alleged threats against Abdi, prompting a call for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
According to the LSK, Abdi's disappearance may be connected to his professional involvement in Criminal Case No. MCCR/E2910/2025, Republic v Ahmed Ali Mohamed. The case has previously been linked to allegations of threats and intimidation against Abdi and other parties involved in the proceedings. The LSK has called on the Inspector General of Police to take immediate action to establish Abdi's whereabouts and secure his safe return.
The LSK has also urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into Abdi's disappearance. This includes identifying those involved and preserving available evidence such as CCTV footage and witness accounts. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been asked to investigate reports that individuals purporting to be police officers were involved in the incident.
Abdi was reportedly abducted on the morning of November 2 along Muchai Road, off Ngong Road, in Nairobi. He was allegedly pursued by two vehicles, a Toyota Prado TX and a double-cab vehicle, whose occupants were reportedly armed with firearms. Some of the individuals were allegedly dressed in what appeared to be police uniforms and bulletproof vests. His vehicle was later recovered along the same road, but his whereabouts remain unknown.
A habeas corpus application has been filed in court seeking orders concerning Abdi's disappearance, with the matter scheduled for directions on November 9, 2026. The LSK has called for the application to be heard expeditiously and for compliance with any orders issued by the court. The society has vowed not to allow the safety and security of advocates to be compromised through acts of intimidation, unlawful arrests, abductions, and enforced disappearances.
The LSK President has demanded that any individuals found culpable in Abdi's disappearance should be held accountable, regardless of their position or office. The society said it would pursue legal and institutional interventions to secure Abdi's safe return and ensure that those responsible are brought to account. The incident was reported at Kilimani Police Station.
The abduction of Abdi has raised concerns about the safety of lawyers in Kenya. The LSK has reiterated its commitment to protecting its members and ensuring that they can practice their profession without fear of intimidation or harm.
Key points
- The LSK has called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Abdi's disappearance.
- Abdi's disappearance may be linked to his involvement in a criminal case before the Makadara Law Courts.
- The LSK has demanded the immediate and unconditional production of Abdi, should he be in the custody of any State agency or other persons.
