Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi disappearance: Lawyer Eric Theuri raises concerns about pattern in abduction cases

Nairobi, Kenya – As lawyer Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi’s disappearance deepens, two men allegedly with him when he vanished have also gone missing, raising fresh worries over the circumstances surrounding his vanishing. The family of Ayub Mohamud Maalim, one of the men, has reported him missing to Kilimani Police Station, stating he has not been reachable since the start of November.

His sister, Fatuma Maalim, expressed her family's growing anxiety, noting that they are desperate to locate him, as his mobile phone is switched off. It is believed Ayub may have been among two men seen fleeing from armed individuals who were reportedly trailing Abshir’s vehicle before it crashed into a drainage channel. The lawyer was allegedly seized by his pursuers after running away and attempting to climb over a gate.

Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid has expressed concerns that Ayub could have been abducted alongside Abshir, urging security agencies to locate him. The case remains shrouded in uncertainty, especially regarding the identities of the men initially seen with Abshir and their subsequent disappearance. During a habeas corpus application hearing, investigators disclosed that they have not yet identified the two individuals who were reportedly in Abshir’s vehicle.

Abshir’s legal team has urged the court to compel security agencies to produce their client, expressing fears that he may have been targeted by individuals within the security establishment. However, the Inspector General of Police maintains that Abshir is not in police custody. The hearing is scheduled for November 10, as families and legal representatives strive to uncover the truth about the missing lawyer and the men alongside him.