The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has stepped up its campaign to find missing lawyer Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi, who vanished on November 1, 2026. LSK President Charles Kanjama stated that the society remains deeply concerned about Abdi's whereabouts, which remain unknown despite efforts to locate him. The LSK has initiated legal and institutional interventions to find Abdi and hold those responsible accountable.
Abdi's disappearance has sparked concern within the legal profession, with the LSK calling for unity against intimidation, abductions, and enforced disappearances targeting members of the profession. The society views Abdi's disappearance as a threat to the entire legal profession and the administration of justice. Kanjama emphasized that the safety of one advocate is the safety of the entire legal profession.
The LSK has announced fresh demonstrations throughout the week, with a key moment in its campaign scheduled for Tuesday, November 10. On Thursday, November 5, the Milimani High Court heard habeas corpus proceedings concerning Abdi's disappearance. The case, filed against the State Law Office, National Police Service Commission, and 16 others, seeks to establish Abdi's whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
The court scheduled its ruling for Tuesday, and the LSK said some respondents had filed responses to the application. However, the society will pursue further directions requiring them to appear before the court and account for Abdi's whereabouts. The LSK has called on lawyers to attend Tuesday's proceedings in large numbers before assembling at the Supreme Court parking area and marching to Jogoo House along Taifa Road.
During the Purple Ribbon Protest March in Nairobi, lawyers presented a memorandum to the Office of the Inspector General at Jogoo House, demanding urgent intervention, investigations, and accountability. Although Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja was not physically present to receive the memorandum, the LSK said it was successfully delivered and expected the police service to respond to the issues raised.
The LSK has urged advocates to conclude pending court matters by midday and seek appropriate adjournments, where necessary, to enable them to participate in the proceedings and subsequent march. The society warned that Abdi's disappearance was not merely an individual concern but a threat to the entire legal profession and the administration of justice.
The LSK has appreciated the solidarity demonstrated by advocates and members of the public during the previous protest, urging more lawyers to participate in the planned activities. Kanjama declared that the society shall not relent until Abdi is safely returned, emphasizing that danger to one advocate is danger to all.
Key points
- The LSK has intensified pressure on security agencies to account for the disappearance of lawyer Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi.
- The society has announced fresh demonstrations and a march to Jogoo House to sustain pressure on the National Police Service.
- Abdi's disappearance is viewed as a threat to the entire legal profession and the administration of justice.
