Kenya's Supreme Court Restores Senior Counsel's Practice Rights After Two-Year Suspension
Nairobi, 24 January 2026
The Supreme Court of Kenya has reinstated prominent advocate Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC’s right to appear before the country’s highest court, ending a controversial two-year ban that had barred him from Supreme Court proceedings. The decision, announced on 23rd January 2026, emerges from case AG vs. Nguruman Ltd and marks a significant moment for Kenya’s legal profession. Abdullahi, one of the country’s most recognisable senior counsel, can now resume representing clients in Supreme Court matters, potentially affecting several high-profile cases currently before the court.
Supreme Court Ruling Details
The Supreme Court’s decision was delivered on 23rd January 2026 within the context of SC Petition No. E015 of 2025, involving a dispute between the Attorney General (representing the Ministry of Interior) and Nguruman Limited [1]. The ruling addressed a procedural application arising within the ongoing substantive litigation, though the specific details of the original ban and the circumstances leading to its imposition remain [alert! ‘sources do not provide background on original ban circumstances’]. Radio 47 Kenya reported that the Supreme Court has removed the two-year ban on advocate Ahmednasir Abdullahi and allowed him to continue serving before that court [2].
Impact on Legal Practice
Abdullahi’s reinstatement comes at a time when Kenya’s legal profession is experiencing significant developments in senior counsel appointments and coaching certifications. The timing is particularly notable given that Professor Kariuki Muigua was recently conferred the rank of Senior Counsel by the President of Kenya on 11th December 2025 [1]. Muigua, who has over 36 years of legal career experience, is among 120 advocates of the High Court of Kenya admitted to the rank of Senior Counsel, with 105 currently alive [1]. This context underscores the exclusive nature of senior counsel status in Kenya’s legal hierarchy.
Broader Legal Profession Trends
The reinstatement occurs against a backdrop of evolving professional development within Kenya’s legal sector. Professor Muigua, an authority in Environmental Law, Conflict Management, and Alternative Dispute Resolution, has trained approximately 5,000 lawyers and professionals in ADR mechanisms for the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators since 2005 [1]. His contributions include serving as Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Kenya Branch) from 2012 to 2015, and as Regional Trustee for Africa on the international Board from 2019 to 2022 [1]. Such professional development initiatives highlight the ongoing efforts to strengthen Kenya’s legal profession through mentorship and specialised training.
Implications for Future Cases
With Abdullahi’s practice rights fully restored, the legal landscape for Supreme Court proceedings may see immediate changes. The advocate’s return to active practice before Kenya’s highest court could influence the trajectory of pending cases and provide additional representation options for clients seeking senior counsel expertise. The decision demonstrates the Supreme Court’s willingness to review and modify previous restrictions when procedural requirements are met, potentially setting precedent for similar cases in the future. The restoration of practice rights ensures that clients will have access to Abdullahi’s legal expertise in matters requiring Supreme Court representation.