NAIROBI, Kenya—Outspoken lawyer and former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Ahmednasir Abdullahi has launched a scathing critique of the Government, condemning its recent attempts to justify the use of extra-legal means to address alleged indiscipline among children.
In a lengthy statement on X laced with fiery rhetoric, Abdullahi described the move as a “dangerous Orwellian overreach” that must be rejected outright.
In December 2024, at least 7 youths were abducted for allegedly criticising the government- by among other things posting AI-generated images of leaders while in coffins.
The controversy stems from a purported manual authored by the Inspector General of Police, advising parents on how to raise children and linking poorly raised kids to their potential abduction or disappearance.
President William Ruto and leaders allied to him have been on the frontline urging parents to be responsible for their children’s conduct.
“Kenya isn’t Stalin’s Russia for parents to attend evening ‘orientation’ classes in social halls on the Bill of Rights,” he quipped.
“Our law books don’t say that when a kid misbehaves or abuses another Kenyan—leader or not—abduction is ordained as an extrajudicial consequence.”
-State Overreach or Moral Policing?-
Ahmednasir lambasted what he termed the government’s “pretentious” attempt to educate Kenyans on their constitutional rights, arguing that rights exist to shield citizens from state overreach—not to enable state interference in private family matters.
“Raising children is the duty of parents, not an elite class of political appointees or law enforcers who’ve consistently failed to address insecurity, corruption, and systemic poverty,” he stated.
The lawyer questioned whether the political elite understood the challenges faced by rural families who navigate poverty and neglect while trying to raise disciplined children.
He called on the government to focus on creating a safe and conducive environment for children to grow, instead of resorting to condescending moral policing.
-Misbehavior Isn’t a Crime-
The lawyer acknowledged the importance of teaching children good manners but insisted that adolescent misbehavior—such as insulting authority figures—is neither a crime nor a justification for state violence.
“We have both communal and legal ways to address adolescent transgressions,” he said.
“Abductions, enforced disappearances, or any other extra-legal consequences cannot and must not be normalized as acceptable responses.”
The statement comes in the wake of growing public concern over the spate of abductions and disappearances that have rocked Kenya, leaving families distraught and citizens questioning the government’s commitment to justice and security.
Politicians allied with the government have justified the abductions. At the same time, some have sensationally claimed the youth were hiding in airbnbs- a claim made by National Assembly leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah.
By attempting to shift blame for insecurity to parents and children, the government appears to be deflecting attention from its inability to tackle crime and uphold the rule of law.
“Let the government govern, and let parents parent,” he urged. “But let it be clear: impunity is not parenting, and blaming victims is not governance.”
