Lawyer Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi is the subject of a High Court habeas corpus application.
Ayub Mohamud Maalim’s family has reported him missing as lawyers seek a court order compelling security agencies to produce Abshir.
The Abshir Abdi disappearance case has raised fresh concerns after reports that two men allegedly accompanying the lawyer are also missing. The family of one, Ayub Mohamud Maalim, has filed a missing-person report at Kilimani Police Station.
His family says Ayub, a Mombasa resident, has been unreachable since the beginning of November. His phone remains switched off, and relatives have unsuccessfully tried to establish his whereabouts.
Meanwhile, Abshir’s lawyers are pursuing a High Court application seeking orders compelling security agencies to produce him. Police representatives, however, deny holding the advocate.
Family seeks answers in Abshir Abdi disappearance
Ayub’s sister, Fatuma Maalim, said the family was increasingly anxious about his safety. She described him as a son, brother, father and husband whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Ayub is believed to be one of two men seen fleeing armed individuals in CCTV footage. The pursuers were allegedly following Abshir’s vehicle before it left the road and entered a drainage channel.
The lawyer reportedly ran in the opposite direction and tried to climb over a gate. His pursuers then allegedly seized him.
Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid said he feared that Ayub may have been abducted alongside Abshir. He also urged security agencies to ensure Ayub’s return, saying relatives had searched for him, including at police stations.
Police deny holding lawyer as court considers application
During the habeas corpus proceedings, investigating officer Dennis Mwenda said the white vehicle had carried three people. However, investigators had not established the identities of the two individuals reportedly travelling with Abshir.
Mwenda told the court that footage showed the occupants running while two individuals pursued them. Abshir’s legal team argued that police submissions had increased their concerns about his disappearance.
The lawyers also challenged allegations raised in court linking Abshir to an alleged abduction and extortion syndicate. They questioned whether individuals within the security establishment may have targeted him.
Advocate Eric Theuri argued that the material presented in court reinforced fears of unlawful action against his client. However, Paul Nyamodi, representing Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, maintained that police were not holding Abshir.
Justice Alexander Muteti is expected to rule on the application on November 10. The proceedings seek to establish whether security agencies hold Abshir and compel those responsible to account for his disappearance.
