The disappearance of Nairobi-based lawyer Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi has entered its tenth day, with his family and members of the legal fraternity continuing to demand answers from security agencies over his whereabouts. Abdi was allegedly abducted in Kilimani, Nairobi, sparking widespread concern among lawyers and human rights advocates. His disappearance has since prompted renewed calls for accountability and investigations into alleged cases of enforced disappearances in the country. For the second time, lawyers and family members visited the Supreme Court and Jogoo House, where they presented their concerns to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, seeking an explanation regarding the missing advocate.
High Court Clears Way for Hearing of Habeas Corpus Application
Meanwhile, the High Court at Milimani has paved the way for a substantive hearing of a habeas corpus application seeking to establish Abdi’s whereabouts. Justice Alexander Muteti ruled that the application was ready for hearing, observing that the applicants had presented evidence that warranted further examination of allegations involving state security officers. The judge noted that claims contained in the supporting affidavit raised serious questions about the conduct of security agencies, particularly concerning investigations into a letter Abdi had reportedly written to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) before his disappearance.
Justice Muteti further questioned why the state had not used its investigative capabilities to establish what happened to the missing lawyer. He pointed to the state’s technical, technological and logistical capacity to investigate complex criminal cases and disappearances, citing the prosecution of the Willie Kimani murder case as an example of what security agencies could achieve.
The ruling came despite security officials previously denying any involvement in Abdi’s disappearance or holding him in police custody. The applicants are expected to testify as the court begins examining the circumstances surrounding the advocate’s disappearance.
Lawyers Present Video Evidence Allegedly Linked to Abdi’s Disappearance
During the court proceedings, the applicants disclosed that they had obtained photographs and video recordings allegedly showing police officers involved in Abdi’s arrest in 2025. They believe the material could provide important leads in identifying individuals connected to the lawyer’s disappearance.
Abdi’s lawyer, Eric Theuri, said the available footage could help identify at least one or two individuals allegedly captured in the recordings. The development is expected to form part of the evidence presented before the court as the family seeks to establish what happened to Abdi.
LSK Seeks Summoning of Senior Security Officials
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has also announced plans to push for the summoning of senior government security officials to explain the increasing cases of alleged abductions and enforced disappearances. LSK President Charles Kanjama said the society intends to ask the court to summon several senior officials, including the Interior Cabinet Secretary, the Principal Secretary, the Inspector General of Police, the Director of Criminal Investigations, the Deputy Inspector General of Police and representatives of the National Intelligence Service.
The society wants the officials to account for the handling of disappearance cases and explain what measures are being taken to address concerns surrounding the conduct of security agencies. LSK Vice President Teresia Wavinya also expressed concern over reported delays in investigations conducted by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). She specifically raised questions about delays attributed to the IPOA board’s technical committee, particularly in investigations involving serious human rights violations.
Abdi’s Family Appeals for Government Intervention
As the court process continues, Abdi’s prolonged disappearance has left his family increasingly distressed, with relatives appealing to President William Ruto and senior security officials to intervene. His brother, Zakaria Abshir, questioned where the family could turn to for information about his missing sibling, urging the leadership of security agencies to provide answers. The family maintains that it needs to know Abdi’s whereabouts and has called on authorities to establish his fate.
Abdi Hassan, a relative of Ayub, who was reportedly last seen with Abdi, also appealed to security agencies to produce the two men if they were being held in custody. The family believes the circumstances surrounding the two men’s disappearance could be connected and wants authorities to clarify what happened to them.
Lawyers Announce Nationwide Court Protest
Meanwhile, lawyers have announced plans to protest the continued disappearance of Abdi by downing their tools in court proceedings across the country. The legal practitioners intend to seek adjournments in various courts until the missing advocate is produced.
The planned action is aimed at increasing pressure on security agencies to provide answers and ensure accountability over alleged enforced disappearances. As the habeas corpus proceedings prepare to begin, Abdi’s family, colleagues and the wider legal fraternity continue to demand his whereabouts be established and those responsible for any wrongdoing held accountable.
