By Kurian Musa
Senior Counsel Abdullahi Ahmednasir has reconciled with Supreme Court judges, marking a significant shift in a long-standing and public dispute between the outspoken lawyer and Kenya’s apex court.
Senior Counsel Nelson Havi, a former President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), termed the reconciliation “front-row news” in legal and judicial circles.
Havi, said: “Through the mediation of Chairman Philip Murgor, SC, we settled our differences and agreed to work together with CJ Martha Koome in fighting corruption and impunity in the Judiciary.”
He added, “Expect significant changes and progress in the coming days. It will not be business as usual for corrupt and incompetent judges.”
The rapprochement was publicly symbolised when Ahmednasir, Havi, and Supreme Court judges posed for a photograph on the stairs outside the Supreme Court building, signalling a thaw in relations that had been severely strained.
Previously, Ahmednasir had accused Supreme Court judges of corruption, asserting that Chief Justice Martha Koome had failed to address what he described as a deep-rooted problem within the court.
These remarks led to orders barring him from appearing before the Supreme Court bench.
Recently, advocates acting on behalf of Ahmednasir filed an application seeking to set aside those earlier orders—a legal step that appeared to pave the way for renewed engagement with the court.
The reconciliation now appears to be part of a broader effort at dialogue between senior members of the Bar and the Judiciary.
Current LSK President Faith Odhiambo confirmed that she, along with Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi, Philip Murgor, and Nelson Havi, attended a consultative meeting with Chief Justice Martha Koome on the state of the administration of justice in Kenya.
According to Odhiambo, the meeting reviewed progress on key reform areas previously raised by the LSK, with unresolved complaints and concerns once again tabled.
The Chief Justice, she said, provided updates on measures already taken and plans to address outstanding matters.
“We maintain our resolve to progressively fix all lapses and gaps in the administration of justice in Kenya,” Odhiambo stated.
The developments come amid reflection within the Judiciary following the recent death of one of the longest-serving Supreme Court judges, who was cremated in accordance with his wishes.
Despite the public reconciliation, it remains unclear whether Ahmednasir has formally withdrawn his earlier allegations of corruption—leaving unanswered questions even as dialogue resumes.
