The Supreme Court of Kenya is set to make a crucial decision this Friday on whether to uphold a ban that bars renowned lawyer Ahmednassir Abdullahi and his law firm from appearing before it. The case has sparked significant legal debate and raised concerns over the independence of the legal profession in the country.

In January 2024, the Supreme Court imposed the ban on Abdullahi and his firm after allegations of sustained attacks on the judiciary, particularly targeting judges. The court’s ruling restricted Abdullahi’s right of audience, as well as that of anyone acting on his behalf.

The ban has been a source of contention, with various parties questioning its fairness and potential violation of constitutional rights, including the right to legal representation. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) condemned the decision, asserting that the ban infringes on the independence of the legal profession and the rights of lawyers to practice freely.

However, the Supreme Court upheld the ban in January 2025, rejecting a plea by lawyer Asli Osman to allow Abdullahi’s firm to represent a client in a case involving inheritance rights for children born out of wedlock in Muslim communities. The court gave the petitioner, Fatuma Abud Faraj, a 14-day window to seek alternative legal representation or pursue the case independently.

In response to the ruling, LSK filed a petition before the High Court to challenge the ban, with arguments that it violates the constitutional rights of lawyers and undermines the principles of justice.

As the court prepares to deliver its final verdict this Friday, the legal community eagerly awaits its implications on the future of the legal profession in Kenya, with several other lawyers, including Christopher Rosana, questioning the roles of Chief Justice Martha Koome and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in the matter.