Senior lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi denies bribery claims

Senior Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi during the hearing of a Tribunal to Investigate Judge Mutava at KICC, on 18/05/16. He has denied claims of soliciting a Sh100 million bribe in property suit. (PHOTO: WILLIS AWANDU/ STANDARD)

Senior lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has denied claims of soliciting a Sh100 million bribe.

Businesswoman Rose Mbithe had claimed before a tribunal last week that Ahmednasir asked for a bribe to help her in a property suit.

But yesterday, Ahmednasir described Mbithe, who is a director at Sehit Investments, as delusional.

Appearing before the tribunal investigating the conduct of suspended High Court judge Joseph Mutava yesterday, Ahmednasir said it was impossible for him to solicit a bribe to compromise his client's case.

"There was no reason for me to ask for a bribe of Sh100 million from her. She is not the owner of the property. She is a little bit delusional," he told the tribunal chaired by appellate judge David Maranga.

He added: "How do I contemplate to take a bribe to withdraw or compromise my client's case? My goal is always to make sure my client wins."

Ahmednasir said the claims by Mbithe were ridiculous and outrageous and had no basis at all.
"Of course I am used to many allegations being made about me. I am not saying I am a saint but some of the allegations are ridiculous and outrageous. I am sure you are aware that there are many litigations in this country, even when judges are transferred people say it's Ahmednasir," he told the tribunal.

Mbithe had said Abdullahi had first asked for Sh4 million through one Rashid Hussein, who is her family friend. The lawyer, she said, later asked for Sh20-30million to help her sort out the case.
She further told the tribunal that after the property in question- a house in Karen, Nairobi- was valued at Sh220 million, the lawyer asked for half the value of the property (Sh110million).

Ahmednasir admitted knowing Hussein as he was common in the courts but denied approaching him to solicit a bribe so as to withdraw from the case.
The lawyer said it is Mbithe who actually tried to reach Hussein to compromise him in the handling of the case.
"There is a 50 or 60 minutes conversation recording between her and Hussein posted by her on social media. They talked about all kind of things, but the bottom line is that she wants him to come to me with a proposal on how to settle the matter," he said.

Mutava's lawyer Philip Nyachoti said Ahmednasir had no link to the complaints.
And in a sworn affidavit, Hussein denied being sent by Ahmednasir to ask for a bribe on his behalf.
He, however, confirmed Mbithe once sent him to the lawyer over the matter.