Ezrah Kashumbusha.
NAIROBI, January 19, 2024 | The Supreme Court of Kenya has taken the extraordinary step of prohibiting Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi from participating in any judicial-related activities. The decision, revealed by the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Hon. Letizia Muthoni Wachira, cited Abdullahi’s persistent efforts to “scandalize, ridicule, and out rightly denigrate” the court’s integrity.
In a statement, Wachira expressed deep concern over Abdullahi’s conduct, noting his relentless campaign across broadcast, print, and social media platforms. The court accused him of making unsubstantiated claims of corruption, incompetence, and bribery against the judiciary and its individual members.
“Over the years, you have restlessly and unabashedly conducted a campaign in the broadcast, print, and social media aimed at scandalizing, ridiculing, and out rightly denigrating this court,” said Wachira in the statement. She highlighted Abdullahi’s disregard for the reputations of those serving on the court and emphasized that the court had exercised restraint in not deploying punitive measures against him earlier.
The decision to bar Abdullahi comes after a previous caution following sustained and unsubstantiated attacks against the court in the case of Republic v Ahmed Abdolfadhi Muhammed & Anor Sc Petition No. 39 of 2018. Despite the warning, Abdullahi’s continued actions led to the unprecedented decision by a bench of seven judges of the Supreme Court.
“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 or acting pursuant to your instructions,” stated Wachira in the announcement. She acknowledged that the decision would impact those who may have instructed Abdullahi for representation before the court but emphasized the untenability of seeking justice from an institution and judges whose reputation and integrity he consistently assailed.
Ahmednasir Abdullahi, a former Judicial Service Commissioner, has been vocal about corruption within the judiciary, claiming a breakdown of order and anarchy. He asserted that the current level of corruption surpasses even that during Moi’s time.
