The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has announced a nationwide court boycott, directing lawyers to suspend normal court proceedings until missing advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi is produced before a court of law.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, LSK said the decision followed a peaceful demonstration by members of the legal fraternity from Milimani Law Courts to Jogoo House, which houses the Office of the Inspector-General of Police.
The lawyers marched to demand answers from the police over Abdi’s disappearance and called for his immediate production, alive and before a court.
LSK explained that previous petitions and public statements had failed to secure the advocate’s release or establish his whereabouts, prompting members to intensify their efforts.
The society described the disappearance of an advocate while undertaking professional duties as an attack on the entire legal profession, their clients and Kenyans seeking justice.
It further said the boycott was intended to protest what it termed the continued cases of enforced disappearances in the country.
As part of the industrial action, lawyers across the country will seek adjournments in court proceedings until Abdi is found and presented before the court.
LSK acknowledged that the decision was not taken lightly but maintained that normal court operations could not continue while one of its members remained missing.
The society warned that the disappearance raised serious concerns about the safety of advocates and their ability to discharge their professional responsibilities without fear.
The development comes days after the High Court in Nairobi directed the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other security agencies to produce Abdi before the court, whether alive or dead.
Also Read: Nairobi CBD-Talanta Stadium Railway Line to Be Completed by December 15, Govt Announces
The orders were issued on Wednesday, November 4, at the Milimani High Court by Justice Alexander Muasya Muteti following an application filed on November 2.
During the proceedings, the judge certified the matter as urgent and ordered several respondents to produce the missing advocate before the court at 2:30 pm on the same day.
The court directive specifically required the respondents to account for Abdi’s whereabouts and present him before the court, alive or dead.
Among the institutions named in the proceedings are the Director of the National Intelligence Service, the DCI, the National Police Service, the Counter Terrorism Bureau, the Directorate of Military Intelligence and the Attorney-General, among other government agencies.
