NAIROBI, Kenya – The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is preparing another round of demonstrations over the disappearance of lawyer Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi, with Tuesday’s High Court ruling expected to intensify pressure on security agencies to account for his whereabouts.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 8, LSK President Charles Kanjama said the society would pursue legal action, institutional interventions and public demonstrations until Abdi was safely reunited with his family.
The planned protests will coincide with the expected ruling in a habeas corpus application filed over the lawyer’s disappearance, placing the State’s handling of the case under renewed scrutiny.
“The Society remains deeply concerned that the whereabouts of Advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi remain unknown,” Kanjama said.
Abdi went missing in the early hours of November 1, 2026, after armed individuals reportedly intercepted him along Muchai Drive, off Ngong Road, in Nairobi.
His disappearance has triggered protests by advocates, demands for investigations and court proceedings seeking to establish whether he is being held by any State agency.
Lawyers to March From Milimani to Jogoo House
LSK has called on advocates to attend Tuesday’s court proceedings in large numbers before assembling at the Supreme Court parking area and marching to Jogoo House along Taifa Road.
The society wants the National Police Service to provide a substantive response to a memorandum presented to the Inspector General’s office during a demonstration on Friday, November 6.
During the earlier Purple Ribbon protest march, lawyers delivered a memorandum demanding urgent investigations, answers about Abdi’s whereabouts and accountability for anyone found responsible.
Although Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja was not physically present to receive the document, LSK said it had been successfully delivered to his office.
Following a council meeting on Saturday, November 7, the society resolved to continue demonstrations and other lawful interventions throughout the week.
Kanjama also urged advocates to conclude pending court matters by midday and seek appropriate adjournments where necessary to allow them to participate in the proceedings and subsequent procession.
What the High Court Is Being Asked to Determine
The habeas corpus proceedings were heard at the Milimani High Court on Thursday, November 5, with the court expected to deliver its ruling on Tuesday, November 10.
The application seeks to establish Abdi’s whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, including whether he is being held by any State agency and the legal basis for any such detention.
The case involves the State Law Office, National Police Service Commission and other respondents.
The proceedings follow earlier orders by the High Court directing security chiefs to produce Abdi before the court, dead or alive, and explain his disappearance.
The court had also required senior security officials, including Inspector General Douglas Kanja and DCI Director Mohamed Amin, to account for the lawyer’s whereabouts and provide any warrants authorising his arrest or detention.
During earlier proceedings, a police officer told the court that Abdi was not in police custody.
Chief Inspector Vitalis Kibett also raised allegations that the lawyer had links to an extortion network, claims that were contested by the family’s concerns over his disappearance and alleged threats before the incident.
The allegations remain matters raised during court proceedings and do not establish the circumstances of his disappearance.
LSK Vows Not to Back Down
The society maintains that Abdi’s disappearance goes beyond the safety of one advocate and raises wider concerns about the protection of lawyers and the administration of justice.
Kanjama said LSK would use all available lawful channels to secure the lawyer’s return and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
“The safety of one advocate is the safety of the entire legal profession. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us,” the statement said.
The society also thanked advocates and members of the public who participated in the previous demonstrations, urging more lawyers to join the planned activities.
“We shall not relent until Advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi is safely returned. Danger to one advocate is danger to all,” Kanjama declared.
