by Nikkie Aisha on Thursday, 23 April 2026 – 1:31 pm Milimani Law Courts Photo Judicial Service Commission The High Court has upheld the extradition of an Afghan national to the United States to face drug-related charges. The ruling was issued at the Milimani High Court on April 22 after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) challenged an appeal filed by Abdul Zahir Qadeer against an earlier order for his surrender. Justice Alexander Muteti delivered the decision that dismissed the appeal and affirmed that there is sufficient legal basis for extradition despite the absence of a bilateral treaty between Kenya and the U.S. “This court finds that there is sufficient legal basis for the extradition of the appellant to the USA to face trial. The appeal therefore fails in its entirety and is hereby dismissed,” the judgement read. An image of a court gravel Photo CapitalFM Qadeer, a politician and former member of the National Assembly of Afghanistan, had challenged a magistrate’s court decision that ordered his extradition following a request from the U.S. government. His appeal argued that the extradition request should not have been granted as there is no bilateral extradition treaty between Kenya and the U.S. It also alleged that there was evidence that the charges against him were politically motivated, claiming that the court failed to consider international relations between Afghanistan and the U.S. that formed the basis of alleged persecution. Qadeer also contested the endorsement of a warrant of arrest issued by a U.S District Court, saying the foreign indictment was unsubstantiated and should not have been considered to support extradition. The High Court maintained that extradition is valid under international law, citing Article 6 of the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. “The state opposed the appeal arguing that even though there is no bilateral treaty between Kenya and the USA allowing extradition of persons between the two states, Kenya could still extradite the appellant on the basis of Article 6 of the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988,” the judgement said. It added that it found no evidence that Qadeer would face persecution or unfair treatment if surrendered to U.S. authorities. Qadeer was arrested in Nairobi based on the U.S. government’s request as he is wanted over alleged narcotics importation conspiracy and firearms-related offences. In dismissing the appeal, the High Court ruled that granting extradition is consistent with public interest and international cooperation principles . The ruling now clears the way for Qadeer to be transferred to the U.S. to face trial on the charges against him. Kenya Embassy in Washington DC, United States Flickr . . Latest News How New National Address System Works Fri, 24 Apr 2026 – 9:17 am Govt Begins Talks for Electric Train in Kenya Fri, 24 Apr 2026 – 9:09 am Setback for Kenya as IMF Suspends Loan Disbursement Fri, 24 Apr 2026 – 8:16 am TSC Announces Vacancies for Top Positions Fri, 24 Apr 2026 – 7:44 am Relief for Kenyans in Proposed Changes to Good Conduct Certificate Processing Fri, 24 Apr 2026 – 7:08 am Documents Contradict CS’s Account on Substandard Fuel Shipment Thu, 23 Apr 2026 – 8:11 pm Ministry Announces Immediate SHA Changes for Civil Servants Thu, 23 Apr 2026 – 7:11 pm Ukraine Intelligence Identifies Kenyans Killed Fighting for Russia Thu, 23 Apr 2026 – 6:55 pm Treasury Receives Ksh 103B From KPC Sale Thu, 23 Apr 2026 – 5:37 pm Dangote to Build Nigeria-Style Oil Refinery in East Africa Thu, 23 Apr 2026 – 5:05 pm CS Ogamba Responds to Circular on Delayed Payments to Teachers Thu, 23 Apr 2026 – 4:24 pm KRA Sends Notice to Businesses Ahead of April 30 Deadline Thu, 23 Apr 2026 – 4:16 pm Load More