The High Court has ordered state agencies to produce missing Nairobi lawyer Abshar Abdi before the court, alive or dead.
Justice Alexander Muasya Muteti issued the orders on Wednesday, November 4, directing the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th respondents named in the application to present Abdi before the court at 2:30 p.m.
“THAT an order be and is hereby issued directing the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th Respondents to produce the body of the subject ABSHAR AHMEDSADAK ABDI live or dead before this Honourable court at 2:30 Pm,” the order stated.
The court also directed the respondents to explain whether Abshar Abdi had been arrested or detained and to produce any warrants authorising such action.
Further, the court ordered the respondents to appear in person or through their advocates and show cause why Abshar Abdi should not be released immediately if he is being held in custody.
The application was filed by Zakaria Abshir against the State Law Office, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and 16 other respondents.
Court documents show the matter had initially been scheduled for hearing before Justice M. Muya. However, after the judge was reportedly away on official duty, the application was placed before the duty judge for directions.
Justice Muteti subsequently certified the matter as urgent and issued the orders.
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Lawyer Abshar Abdi Reportedly Abducted Along Muchai Road
In a statement on November 4, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Nairobi Branch said Abshar Abdi was reportedly abducted at around 4 a.m. on Monday, November 2, along Muchai Road, off Ngong Road in Nairobi.
The branch said witnesses told them the advocate was pursued and forcibly taken by people travelling in two vehicles, described as a Toyota Prado TX and a double-cab vehicle.
Some of the occupants were reportedly armed, with at least two wearing what appeared to be police uniforms and bulletproof vests.
Abdi’s vehicle was later recovered along Muchai Road, and the LSK Nairobi Branch said it filed a missing person report at Kilimani Police Station under OB No. 55/1/11/2026.
The advocate practises at Abshir & Njagi Advocates and holds Practising Certificate No. P.105/26156/25.
The branch said the circumstances and motive behind the reported abduction remained unclear and were subject to investigation.
LSK Raises Concern Over Possible Police Involvement
The lawyers’ lobby expressed concern over reports that some of the people involved in the incident wore clothing resembling police uniforms and carried firearms.
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It called for investigations to establish whether the individuals were serving police officers, people impersonating law enforcement officers or other unidentified persons.
“These allegations must not be dismissed or treated casually. They require the highest level of scrutiny, accountability and institutional responsiveness,” the statement read.
The branch also called on the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the incident, trace the two vehicles reportedly involved and examine available forensic evidence.
It further urged authorities to secure CCTV footage from Muchai Road, neighbouring premises and adjoining roads before it could be lost.
LSK Seeks Probe Into Lawyer’s Ongoing Court Case
The Nairobi Branch also asked investigators to establish whether the disappearance of Abshar Abdi was connected to an ongoing case he was involved in.
The advocate had been participating in proceedings in MCCR/E2910/2025, Republic v. Ahmed Ali Mohamed, before the Makadara Law Courts.
However, the branch cautioned against drawing conclusions about the possible motive before investigations were completed.
It also called on authorities to keep Abdi’s family, the Nairobi Branch and the wider Law Society of Kenya informed about the progress of investigations.
The lawyers cited Articles 29, 49 and 50 of the Constitution, which protect personal security, the rights of arrested persons and the right to a fair hearing.
The branch warned that incidents involving the abduction or intimidation of advocates could create fear within the legal profession and undermine their ability to represent clients independently.
It said it would continue monitoring developments, calling for Abdi’s whereabouts to be established and those responsible for any unlawful conduct to be held accountable.
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