Kenya Court Approves Extradition of Former Afghan Lawmaker to United States

Kenya’s High Court has approved the extradition of former Afghan parliamentarian Abdul Zahir Qadir to the United States to face charges of narcotics trafficking and illegal weapons possession. The ruling clears the path for his transfer, despite objections raised by his legal representatives.

Qadir’s defense team has consistently argued that the charges are politically motivated. In rejecting this claim, the presiding judge determined that the extradition is lawful under international law and applicable multilateral conventions. The court noted that the lack of a formal bilateral extradition treaty between Kenya and the United States does not bar the proceedings. Prosecutors allege the offenses took place between November 2024 and March 2025.

The former lawmaker was taken into custody in Nairobi in 2025, though reports regarding the exact circumstances of his arrest vary. Khaama Press reported he was detained upon arriving on a commercial flight in April, while Pajhwok indicated he was apprehended at a hotel in May.

Following the High Court’s decision, Qadir’s attorneys announced plans to appeal the ruling to a higher judicial authority. The proceedings highlight the application of international legal frameworks in addressing cross-border criminal allegations, with authorities emphasizing that multilateral conventions provide sufficient grounds for cooperation.