LSK Lawyers Protest at Vigilance House Over Missing Advocate Abshir Abdi

Lawyers from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) protesting in Nairobi's Central Business District

Lawyers from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) are leading protests in Nairobi's Central Business District over the disappearance of advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi. On Wednesday, November 11, they gathered outside Vigilance House, the Kenya Police Headquarters. They are demanding Abdi's release. The protests are now in their seventh day.

Abdi was allegedly abducted on November 1 outside Kilimani Police Station. He has been missing for ten days, and no authority has presented him before a court. The lawyers want police to account for their colleague as the Constitution requires. They also want him produced alive before a court immediately.

The lawyers have resolved to down tools. They are seeking adjournments in courts across the country until Abdi is found. LSK says it will pursue every lawful avenue available.

Human rights defenders have joined the marches toward Vigilance House and Jogoo House. DCI Director Mohamed Amin has denied that police were involved in Abdi's disappearance.

The protesters are calling for CCTV footage, vehicle tracking logs, and communication records to be examined independently. They also want authorities to protect Abdi's family, his legal representatives, and witnesses in the case.

On November 9, a Makadara Law Courts magistrate summoned five individuals over alleged involvement in the disappearance. They include officers from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and military intelligence. The five are due in court on November 13, where an LSK advocate and the complainant will cross-examine them.