Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has hit back at the Supreme Court of Kenya following the decision to permanently bar him from making submissions before the court.
The lawyer together with his firm’s associates were also permanently barred from appearing before court.
Through a statement released on January 18, 2024, the apex court noted that the lawyer has “relentlessly scandalized and ridiculed” it.
“In view of the foregoing, it is the decision of this Court, that henceforth and from the date of this communication, you shall have no audience before the Court, either by yourself, through an employee of your law firm, or any other person holding brief for you,” read the statement in part.
Reacting after being slapped with the restriction, Ahmednasir immediately rebuffed the statement terming the ban “a badge of honor”.
“Isn’t it a badge of honor for the most corrupt court in Kenya to refuse me and my law firm an audience? “Posed Abdullahi.
There were mixed reactions among Kenyans online following the statement signed by the Supreme Court Registrar Letizia Wachira.
Kenyans React
Journalist Abuga Makori seemed to defend the lawyer as he reacted to the ban, urging the lawyer to continue calling out the court.
“Don’t worry, SC Ahmednasir Abdullahi. Continue calling their corrupt practices. They will not stay there forever,” he commented.
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On the other hand, a section of Kenyans online supported the Supreme Court’s decision, with majority questioning the lawyer’s conduct.
“As a lawyer you probably should know that accusing someone of doing wrong without substantiating is wrong.
Supposed to table your evidence of wrongdoing before the JSC but you chose to rant in public. What kind of law did you study?” posed Jusper Mogire.
Another user named Pontius Mokaya reacted noting that the lawyer can’t run a smear campaign against the same courts he presents his matters before.
Joice Machau echoed the sentiments, adding that it was ironic how Abdullahi has been questioning the same courts he appears before its judges.
“I think it’s fair game. Since you keep questioning their morality, integrity and accusing the Court of corruption, don’t you think it’s ironic that you should appear before those same Judges?” she posed.
Ahmednasir Accused
Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi is accused of conducting campaigns in different media platforms by the court.
According to the Court, the lawyer has been conducting the campaigns accusing it and its judges of corruption, incompetence and outright bribery.
“This, you have done with reckless abandon, paying scant regard to the reputations of those who tirelessly serve on the Court in accordance with their Oath of Office,” the court said.
Furthermore, the court said it reached the stern decision owing to the fact that it had previously cautioned the Senior Counsel to tread carefully.
It cited its ruling in the case of Republic v Ahmad Abdolfadhi Mohammed and Anor, SC Petition No. 39 of 2018, which Ahmednasir criticized the court over its verdict.
“You were cautioned that such conduct would in the future, not go unpunished. The caution as recorded in the ruling above, appears not to have had any sobering effect upon you,” the court said.
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Explaining the ban, the Supreme court said it is untenable that Abdullahi would seek justice in the very institution and before the very Judges, whose reputation and integrity he never tires in assaulting.
The court pointed out that regardless of his sustained and unsubstantiated attacks against the court and its judges, the lawyer still sees no contradiction in filing cases before it.
It said the lawyer’s insensitivity and abusive arrogance cannot be said to be driven by his quest for Justice.
“Attached to this communication is a compilation of some of the statements that you have personally been generating against the Court, its leadership, and membership over the years,” the court said.
