The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) said armed individuals believed to be Anti-Terrorism Police Unit officers intercepted Abdi and companion Mohammed in Nairobi.
Speaking to Channel Africa on Friday, LSK Vice-President Teresia Wavinya Nicholas said the alleged abduction represented an attack on the legal profession and the rule of law. “Practising law is not a crime. Representing a client is not an act of rebellion. Defending the rights of an individual is not an offence against the state,” Nicholas said.
Amnesty International has identified Abdi’s disappearance as the 22nd documented enforced-disappearance case in Kenya during 2026.
Nicholas compared the case with the 2016 abduction and killing of Advocate Willie Kimani, who disappeared while performing professional duties.
“Ten years ago, Willie Kimani was abducted in the line of duty,” Nicholas said. “After demonstrating and protesting, Willie Kimani was returned to us in pieces.”
LSK has applied to court for an order requiring authorities to produce Abdi.
Nicholas accused the National Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Anti-Terrorism Police Unit of failing to provide credible information about investigations into the disappearance.
The case is expected to return to court on Tuesday for a further ruling.
LSK demanded immediate disclosure of Abdi’s whereabouts, unconditional release and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
The Society also called for accountability for every individual involved in planning, facilitating or carrying out the alleged abduction.
“As advocates, we do not surrender our personal rights at the door of a courtroom,” Nicholas said. “Neither do we become legitimate targets because of the matters that we are handling.”
Nicholas said Abdi was previously detained for three days in 2025 in connection with work performed for clients.
Authorities allegedly confiscated telephones, laptops and work equipment during that detention and had not returned the items.
LSK representatives marched to National Police Service headquarters seeking an audience with Inspector-General Douglas Kanja. “Today, we are not leaving this headquarters until our member is produced to us,” Nicholas said.
–ChannelAfrica–
