PLO Lumumba to CJ Koome: Let Ahmednasir tender his defence at Supreme Court
The ban followed accusations that Ahmednasir had conducted a campaign to "scandalise, ridicule, and denigrate" the Supreme Court through various media outlets.
Senior Counsel PLO Lumumba has written to Chief Justice Martha Koome, urging a reversal of the Supreme Court's decision to bar Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi and his law firm from appearing before the court.
Describing the ban as an "extreme and unusual punishment," Lumumba emphasised in his letter that the decision not only undermines the advocate's right to practice law but also sets a troubling precedent for legal practitioners in Kenya.
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"What should worry any advocate regarding how Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC and associates of his law firm have been dealt with is that he is subjected to extreme and unusual punishment, the effect of which is to deny him the right of the practice of law which is his source of livelihood," Lumumba stated in the letter dated January 28.
The ban followed accusations that Ahmednasir had conducted a campaign to "scandalise, ridicule, and denigrate" the Supreme Court through various media outlets.
Lumumba, however, argued that the appropriate course would be for Ahmednasir to face charges and be allowed to defend himself rather than being summarily denied access to the court.
Revisit findings
"Your Ladyship, based on the concatenation of the events I have detailed above. I am of the considered view that the Supreme Court should revisit its findings and reverse the decision against Mr Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC and the Advocates practising under his Law firm (Ahmednassir Abdullahi Advocates LLP). He should be allowed to defend himself," he said.
Barely a week ago, on January 22, an advocate from Ahmednasir's law firm was denied audience at the Supreme Court, further escalating tensions between the judiciary and legal professionals.
In response, 13 advocates from the firm have since joined a petition led by former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi, calling for the removal of all seven Supreme Court judges.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) through President Faith Odhiambo also threatened to hold demonstrations and forego court sessions until the decision is overturned.
"If our calls for the reversal of these orders are not heeded, the LSK will be compelled to take further action. Including mobilizing its members to stage peaceful protests and occupy the Supreme Court In protest. Advocates may also be called upon to boycott appearances before the Court as an expression of disapproval," noted Odhiambo.
Lumumba clarified that his intervention was made independently and without Ahmednasir's consent.
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