Lawyers march to police headquarters, demand answers over missing advocate Abshir

NAIROBI,Kenya, Nov 6-Lawyers have taken to the streets of Nairobi, demanding that police account for the disappearance of advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi and ensure his immediate and safe return, as pressure mounts on security agencies following a High Court order requiring the State to produce him before court.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is leading Friday’s demonstration, with advocates and human rights defenders marching from Milimani Law Courts along Kenyatta Avenue towards Vigilance House, the National Police Service headquarters.

The protesters are also demanding an end to abductions across the country, calling for accountability and respect for constitutional rights and the rule of law.

LSK President Charles Kanjama called on members of the legal fraternity, human rights defenders and members of the public to join the protest in solidarity with the missing lawyer.

“An attack on Advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi is an attack on all of us,” Kanjama said.

The demonstration comes amid mounting pressure on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohamed Amin and other State agencies to establish Abdi’s whereabouts.

On November 4, High Court Judge Alexander Muasya Muteti ordered police and other State agencies to produce the lawyer before court, alive or dead, and explain the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

The orders followed an urgent application filed by Abdi’s brother, Zakaria Abshir, seeking judicial intervention over the lawyer’s reported disappearance.

The court also directed the respondents to appear personally or through their appointed advocates, accompanied by any warrants authorising his detention, and explain why he should not be immediately released if being held in custody.

The judge warned that failure to comply with the orders would attract penal consequences.

Abdi was reportedly abducted by armed men along Muchai Road, off Ngong Road, on the morning of November 2, 2026.

According to LSK, the lawyer was allegedly pursued by two vehicles, a Toyota Prado TX and a double-cab vehicle, whose occupants were reportedly armed. Some of the individuals were allegedly dressed in what appeared to be police uniforms and bulletproof vests.

The Society has raised concerns that his disappearance could be connected to his involvement in Criminal Case No. MCCR/E2910/2025, Republic v Ahmed Ali Mohamed, before the Makadara Law Courts, where he was reportedly a complainant and key witness.

LSK also disclosed that it had previously received correspondence alleging threats and intimidation linked to the proceedings.

“The abduction and disappearance of an Advocate in circumstances that may be connected to the discharge of their professional duties is an affront to the administration of justice, the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law,” Kanjama said.

The incident was reported at Kilimani Police Station under OB No. 55/1/11/2026.

LSK has called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate allegations that individuals posing as police officers were involved and establish whether serving officers or other State agents participated in or facilitated the incident.

​Bruhan Makong is a Senior News Reporter for Capital FM in Nairobi, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, climate, and human rights across East Africa and the wider region.