The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called new demonstrations for Tuesday over missing advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi, Capital FM reported. The search for him is now in its second week. LSK wants lawyers to gather at the Milimani Law Courts, where the High Court is due to rule in a habeas corpus case seeking his whereabouts. After the ruling, they plan to march to Jogoo House. There they will demand a full response from the Inspector General of Police to a memorandum the Society delivered.
According to LSK, armed men seized Abdi on Muchai Road, off Ngong Road, on the morning of November 2. The Society says two vehicles chased him: a Toyota Prado TX and a double-cab. Some of the men reportedly wore what looked like police uniforms and bulletproof vests. The incident was reported at Kilimani Police Station.
LSK fears the disappearance may be linked to a criminal case at the Makadara Law Courts, Republic v Ahmed Ali Mohamed. Abdi was reportedly a complainant and key witness in that case. The Society said it had earlier received letters alleging threats and intimidation linked to the proceedings.
On November 4, High Court Judge Alexander Muasya Muteti ordered police and other State agencies to produce Abdi in court, alive or dead. He told them to explain how Abdi disappeared and to bring any warrants for his detention. The judge warned that failure to comply would attract penal consequences. The orders followed an urgent application by Abdi's brother, Zakaria Abshir. The court heard the case on November 5.
Lawyers held a Purple Ribbon Protest March on November 6 and handed a memorandum to the Inspector General's office. LSK has also asked the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate. It wants to know whether serving officers or other State agents took part in or facilitated the abduction. The sources do not include a response from the police.
LSK President Charles Kanjama said the abduction of an advocate in circumstances that may be linked to his professional duties was "an affront to the administration of justice, the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law." The Society said it would not relent until Abdi is safely returned. "Danger to one advocate is danger to all," it said.