LSK condemns abduction of lawyer Abshir Abdi, demands immediate release and probe

In a statement issued on Tuesday, LSK President Charles Kanjama expressed concern over the disappearance, saying it may be linked to Abdi's involvement in a criminal case before the Makadara Law Courts, where he is reportedly a complainant and key witness.

Kanjama said LSK had received earlier correspondence raising concerns over the alleged threats, calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Abdi’s disappearance.

“The Society is particularly concerned about the reports that the Advocate's disappearance may be connected to his professional involvement in Criminal Case No. MCCR/E2910/2025, Republic v Ahmed Ali Mohamed, currently before the Makadara Law Courts, in which he is reportedly a complainant and key witness,” Kanjama said.

According to the LSK, the aforementioned case, has previously been linked to allegations of threats and intimidation against the advocate and other parties involved in the proceedings.

LSK thus called on the Inspector General of Police to take immediate action to establish Abdi's whereabouts and secure his safe return.

It also urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to conduct thorough and impartial investigations, including identifying those involved and preserving available evidence such as CCTV footage and witness accounts.

“LSK demands the immediate and unconditional production of Advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi, should he be in the custody of any State agency or other persons, and calls upon the Inspector General of the National Police Service to take immediate and decisive action to establish his whereabouts and secure his safe return,” stated Kanjama.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) was also asked to investigate reports that individuals purporting to be police officers were involved in the incident and establish whether serving officers or other State agents participated in or facilitated the disappearance.

The LSK boss disclosed that a habeas corpus application had been filed in court seeking orders concerning the advocate's disappearance, with the matter scheduled for directions on November 9, 2026.

He called for the application to be heard expeditiously and for compliance with any orders issued by the court.

“The Society shall not sit back and allow the safety and security of Advocates to be compromised through acts of intimidation, unlawful arrests, abductions and enforced disappearances,” Kanjama said.

LSK recounted the incident saying the lawyer was reportedly abducted on the morning of November 2 along Muchai Road, off Ngong Road, in Nairobi.

The lawyers’ body said Abdi, who practises at Abshir & Njagi Advocates, was allegedly pursued by two vehicles, a Toyota Prado TX and a double-cab vehicle, whose occupants were reportedly armed with firearms.

Some of the individuals were allegedly dressed in what appeared to be police uniforms and bulletproof vests.

His vehicle was later recovered along the same road, but his whereabouts remain unknown. The incident was reported at Kilimani Police Station.

The LSK President consequently demanded that any individuals found culpable should be held accountable, regardless of their position or office.

The society said it would pursue legal and institutional interventions to secure Abdi's safe return and ensure that those responsible are brought to account.