Kenyan Lawyers Declare Nationwide Court Boycott Over Abduction of Advocate Abdi

Lawyers across Kenya have resolved to boycott court sessions and seek nationwide adjournments following the alleged abduction of Nairobi-based advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) took the step on Wednesday as advocates and human rights defenders entered their seventh day of street protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District. Demonstrators marched from the Milimani Law Courts to the Kenya Police Headquarters at Vigilance House and the Inspector-General’s office at Jogoo House.

Abdi was allegedly abducted on November 1 outside the Kilimani Police Station. Ten days after his disappearance, authorities have neither accounted for his whereabouts nor presented him in court.

The strike action coincides with legal proceedings aimed at holding state officials accountable. On November 9, a magistrate at the Makadara Law Courts summoned five individuals, including officers from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), National Intelligence Service (NIS), and military intelligence, regarding their alleged involvement in the case.

The officers are expected to appear in court on November 13 for cross-examination by the complainant and an LSK advocate.

During the street demonstrations, lawyers demanded the immediate production of their colleague alive, in line with constitutional requirements. Protesters also called for an independent examination of CCTV footage, vehicle tracking logs, and communication records connected to the incident.

In addition, demonstrators urged authorities to provide protection for Abdi’s family, his legal team, and witnesses involved in the ongoing legal proceedings.

Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin denied police involvement in the advocate's disappearance. However, LSK members vowed to continue their protests and pursue all lawful avenues until Abdi is found.