Lawyers are set to stage a peaceful protest on Friday over the disappearance of advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi, as investigations into his whereabouts take a new turn with two men who were allegedly in his company also reported missing.
Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama says the demonstration will begin at 9 a.m. at the Milimani Law Courts, proceed along Kenyatta Avenue and culminate at Vigilance House.
Kanjama has called on advocates, human rights defenders, and members of the public to turn out in solidarity to demand accountability and Abshir's safe return.
He says the disappearance of the lawyer is an attack on the entire legal fraternity, warning that the incident raises serious concerns about the safety of legal practitioners.
Meanwhile, the family of Ayub Mohamud Maalim has filed a missing person report at Kilimani Police Station, saying he was last seen with Abshir at the beginning of the month.
Ayub's relatives say they have been unable to trace him, with his phone switched off, prompting them to seek assistance from security agencies.
His sister, Fatuma Maalim, says the family is deeply worried about his whereabouts, describing him as a father, husband, son and brother whose disappearance has left relatives distressed.
Ayub is believed to be among two men captured on CCTV footage fleeing armed individuals who were trailing Abshir's vehicle before it plunged into a drainage channel.
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid says there are fears Ayub may have been abducted alongside the lawyer, calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure his return.
The development comes as the High Court continues hearing a habeas corpus application seeking Abshir's production before court.
Investigating officer Dennis Mwenda told the court that he was yet to establish the identities of the two individuals who were reportedly in the vehicle with the missing advocate.
Abshir's lawyer, Eric Theuri, has argued that submissions by security officers have reinforced fears that his client may have been subjected to extra-constitutional measures.
However, lawyer Paul Nyamodi, representing the Inspector General of Police, maintained that Abshir was not in police custody.
Justice Alexander Muteti is expected to deliver a ruling on the matter next Tuesday.
