NAIROBI, Kenya—Jan 23, 2026 — The Supreme Court has lifted a two-year ban that barred Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi and his law firm from appearing before the country’s highest court.
In a ruling delivered by Chief Justice Martha Koome, the court allowed an application seeking to vacate an order issued on January 23, 2024, which had prohibited Ahmednasir, his firm, and persons acting on his instructions from appearing before the Supreme Court.
The ban was imposed after the court cited public remarks made by Ahmednasir that it said undermined the integrity and dignity of the judiciary. At the time, six Supreme Court judges, excluding the Chief Justice, recused themselves from matters involving the senior counsel.
Ahmednasir’s application was argued by Senior Counsel Paul Muite and Senior Counsel Fred Ngatia, who told the court that the two-year restriction had served its corrective purpose and that their client had reflected on his conduct.
Appearing for Ahmednasir Abdullahi Advocates LLP, counsel Mosota said the senior counsel had learned from the experience and committed to engaging with the court respectfully.
In its determination, the Supreme Court said the passage of time and the assurances given justified lifting the restriction, allowing Ahmednasir, his firm and those acting on his instructions to appear before the court in ongoing and future matters.
However, the court clarified that the 2024 order would remain applicable to cases that were already concluded under that directive.
Chief Justice Koome said the sanction had been imposed to protect the authority and dignity of the Supreme Court, adding that the court also recognised rehabilitation and professional responsibility.
