Law Society of Kenya President Eric Theuri has condemned the Supreme Court for its ban against Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi.
The lawyer faced the wrath of the apex court following his constant criticism of the judiciary.
The Supreme Court, in an unprecedented move, banned the lawyer and associates in his law firm from appearing before it, a move that the LSK supremo has now called out.
Theuri, in a statement on X, highlighted why he feels the Supreme Court erred in imposing the ban on the city lawyer.
“I spoke with Ahmednasir Abdullahi. The Supreme Court has irredeemably lost it on this one. Every person has a constitutional right to the counsel of his choice.
“The Court cannot violate a consumer’s rights by dictating who should appear before them.
“The Court has no legal right to bar an advocate duly authorized by the Law Society from practising law. The decision has no basis in law, is illegal, irregular, and paints the court as a purveyor of injustice,” Theuri said.
Wrong timing for Supreme Court
Theuri feels the timing of the ban has come at the wrong time given the heated exchanges the judiciary has had with the executive.
“At a time when the judiciary is in the crosshairs, the decision justifies the attacks on the judiciary. The Court decision violates the principle of the right to be heard. A basic element of any fair decision. The decision sets a dangerous precedent where courts can bar anyone they dislike,” he added.
Theuri further argued that the Supreme Court undertook a mandate that is outside its province of power and that LSK will seek a retraction of the ban.
“The Law Society will not allow its statutory mandate to be encroached upon by the Court and will seek an immediate retraction and apology from the Supreme Court,” he concluded.
Among those who have also criticised the Supreme Court are Law Professor Makau Mutua.
