Lawyers Protest Over Missing Abdi as Two Men Reportedly With Him Also Disappear

The disappearance of Nairobi lawyer Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi has taken a worrying turn, with two men reportedly in his company at the time of the incident also said to be missing.

The development came as lawyers took to the streets of Nairobi on Friday, November 6, demanding answers from security agencies and the safe return of their colleague.

Led by Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Charles Kanjama, the advocates marched from Milimani Law Courts towards police headquarters, carrying placards and blowing whistles in protest.

Their message was directed at Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja: establish where Abdi is and explain what happened to him.

“Until Abdi is free, until he is released, until he is with us, we will not relent. We will not stop. Today is just the beginning,” Kanjama said.

He warned that the legal fraternity would continue engaging institutions, including the police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the National Intelligence Service and Parliament. He also indicated that the protests could be taken to State House if their concerns remained unresolved.

Human rights activist Hussein Khalid said the demonstration was not only about Abdi but also about the wider problem of abductions in the country.

“We are saying enough is enough and the police must do their job. Every Kenyan has a right to security,” he said.

Two more men reported missing

The protest came amid fresh concerns over the whereabouts of two men believed to have been travelling with Abdi when his vehicle was pursued along Muchai Road, off Ngong Road, in the early hours of November 1.

One of them has been identified as Ayub Mohamud Maalim. His family reported him missing at Kilimani Police Station on Thursday, November 5, saying it had been unable to reach him since the beginning of the month.

The second man's identity and whereabouts have not been publicly established.

The development has widened the search beyond Abdi and raised further questions about what happened during the incident.

CCTV footage from the area shows a white saloon car being pursued by a black Toyota Prado. The vehicle eventually veered off the road and entered a drainage channel. Its occupants were seen getting out and running in different directions.

Abdi was reportedly seized by armed men after attempting to escape. His vehicle was later found abandoned along the same road. The footage and accounts of the incident have become central to efforts to establish what happened, but they do not by themselves identify the people responsible.

During court proceedings, investigating officer Dennis Mwenda told the court that investigators had not yet established the identities of the two people seen fleeing the vehicle.

“The white motor vehicle had three occupants. Those are the people seen running, being chased by two individuals. I have not yet ascertained their identity,” he told the court.

High Court demands answers

Abdi's family has turned to the High Court through a habeas corpus application, a legal process used to require authorities to account for a person's detention and whereabouts.

On November 4, Justice Alexander Muteti issued urgent orders requiring designated security officials to produce Abdi before the court, alive or dead, and explain the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

The court also directed the relevant officials to provide any warrants authorising his arrest or detention.

The proceedings have since exposed competing accounts of the case.

During the hearing, the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit presented allegations linking Abdi to an alleged abduction and extortion network. Those claims remain allegations and have not been established as findings of guilt.

Lawyer Eric Theuri, representing Abdi's interests, argued that the information presented in court had heightened concerns about the circumstances of his disappearance.

“They have, in fact, introduced material before you to confirm and ascertain the fears that we have had, that Abshir has been subjected to extra-constitutional measures,” Theuri told the court.

However, Paul Nyamodi, representing the Inspector General of Police, maintained that Abdi was not being held in police custody.

“The subject of these proceedings is not in police custody,” he said.

Justice Muteti is expected to deliver a ruling on the application on Tuesday, November 10.

DCI says investigation is under way

The DCI has said it has formed a team to investigate the disappearance.

Director Mohamed Amin confirmed that the police had received a report and that officers had been assigned to establish what happened. He also denied claims that police officers were involved and urged the LSK to share any information that could assist investigators.

Amin said anyone who did not have confidence in the National Police Service could share relevant information with other oversight bodies.

The LSK, meanwhile, wants more than assurances that investigations are under way. Its members are demanding clear answers about Abdi's whereabouts and accountability for those responsible if an unlawful arrest or abduction is established.

Why the case has unsettled the legal fraternity

Abdi's disappearance has struck a nerve within the legal profession because it raises questions about the safety of advocates and their ability to represent clients without intimidation.

The case has also drawn attention to his reported role as a complainant and key witness in a criminal matter before the Makadara Law Courts. However, no established link between that case and his disappearance has been confirmed.

For the LSK, the central issue is that no one should be taken away and left unaccounted for. If authorities have a case against Abdi, lawyers argue, it should be handled through lawful arrest, detention and court proceedings.

The next major test will be the High Court's consideration of the habeas corpus application. Meanwhile, the families of Abdi and the men reportedly last seen with him are still seeking answers.

Friday's protest has put the pressure on security agencies. The question now is whether investigations and the court process will establish where the missing men are and what happened along Muchai Road.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.