By Peter Ochieng
Senior Counsel (SC) Ahmednasir Abdullahi has initiated a legal battle against the Kenyan government over a Supreme Court decision.
Abdullahi has filed a case at the East African Court of Justice in Arusha, Tanzania, seeking to overturn a decision barring him and employees of his law firm, from appearing before the Supreme Court of Kenya.
Judges of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice(CJ) Martha Koome in January ruled that the Senior Counsel alongside employees of his law firm should not appear before them, due to consistently attacking the Court and some of the judges in his social media posts, despite being warned.
“It is the decision of this Court, that henceforth and 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,” read part of the letter drafted by registrar L.M Wachira.
He has sued the Attorney General on behalf of the government of Kenya, seeking a declaration that the decision by the Justice Martha Koome-led court infringed on his rights to fair administrative action, access to justice and a fair trial.
Furthermore, he accuses the State of infringing on his universally accepted fundamental right to work.
The veteran advocate wants the East African Court of Justice to issue an order, reversing the decision by the Kenyan Supreme Court.
“An order directing the respondent State to reverse the pronouncement made by its apex court on 18th January 2024 banning the Applicant from seeking audience before the Supreme Court of Kenya including the employees of the Applicant’s law firm, anyone holding brief for the Applicant or any other person acting under his instructions,” Court documents read in part.
He is also demanding for Sh200 million in compensation.
“That this Honorable Court be pleased to award damages of Kshs. 200,000,000.00 or other sums to the Applicant being the fees that the Applicant forfeited for cases he had conduct of before the Supreme Court.”
The SC has over the years, through his social media platforms accused some Supreme Court judges of corruption.