Lawyers demand answers over the disappearance of advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi.
LSK leads Nairobi protests seeking Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi’s safe return after the High Court ordered State agencies to produce him.
Lawyers marched through Nairobi on Friday, demanding answers from police over missing advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi and his safe return.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) led advocates and human rights defenders from Milimani Law Courts along Kenyatta Avenue towards Vigilance House. The building houses the National Police Service headquarters.
Protesters also called for an end to abductions, accountability and respect for constitutional rights and the rule of law. Meanwhile, LSK President Charles Kanjama urged lawyers, rights defenders and the public to join the demonstration in solidarity with Abdi.
Court orders State to produce missing advocate Abshir
The protest follows a November 4 High Court order directing police and other State agencies to produce Abdi, alive or dead. Justice Alexander Muasya Muteti also required them to explain the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Abdi’s brother, Zakaria Abshir, had filed an urgent application seeking the court’s intervention. The judge directed respondents to appear personally or through their appointed advocates, with any warrants authorising Abdi’s detention.
In addition, the respondents must explain why the lawyer should not secure immediate release if they hold him in custody. Muteti warned that non-compliance would carry penal consequences.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and DCI Director Mohamed Amin face growing pressure to establish Abdi’s whereabouts. Other State agencies also face demands for answers.
LSK seeks inquiry into alleged police involvement
Armed men reportedly abducted Abdi along Muchai Road, off Ngong Road, on the morning of November 2, 2026. LSK said two vehicles, a Toyota Prado TX and a double-cab vehicle, allegedly pursued him.
The society said the occupants reportedly carried weapons. Some also allegedly wore what appeared to be police uniforms and bulletproof vests.
LSK raised concerns about a possible connection between the disappearance and a criminal case before Makadara Law Courts. Abdi was reportedly a complainant and key witness in Criminal Case No. MCCR/E2910/2025, Republic v Ahmed Ali Mohamed.
The society also said it had previously received correspondence alleging threats and intimidation linked to those proceedings. Kanjama described disappearances potentially connected to advocates’ professional duties as a threat to justice and the legal profession’s independence.
LSK has called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to investigate the alleged involvement of people posing as police officers. It also wants investigators to establish whether serving officers or other State agents participated in or facilitated the incident.
