Wajir Governor Abdullahi dismisses claims of being behind abduction of MCA Yussuf Hussein

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Mohamed has dismissed as “false, misleading and speculative” the allegations levelled against him by Dela Ward Member of County Assembly Yussuf Hussein Ahmed in relation to the latter’s alleged abduction.

MCA Yussuf was taken captive by armed gunmen while in Nairobi along Enterprise Road on August 13, 2024. He was later freed March 8, 2025.

Speaking a month after his release, Yussuf claimed his abduction was orchestrated and executed by Governor Abdullahi.

“I arrived in Nairobi on 12th September, 2024 waiting to meet the Governor on 15th to discuss about the county budget and find solution. Unfortunately, on 13th I was abducted while leaving South C… the abductors were armed with AK47… I was kept in detention for six months until 8th when I was released and dropped at Pangani,” said Yussuf.

In his statement, the Dela Ward MCA alleged that his strong stand against the 2024 Wajir County budget triggered his abduction. He said the budget was thereafter passed while he was in captivity.

However, in a strongly-worded statement issued on Saturday, Governor Abdullahi called out the MCA’s claims as part of a broader political witch-hunt orchestrated by unnamed political actors ahead of the 2027 elections.

“My attention has been drawn to a press statement dated 11th April, 2025 by Hon. Yussuf Hussein Ahmed,” read part of the Governor’s statement. “Even though he is being used as a proxy to drive negative propaganda by known political leaders against me, I wish to address the allegations...”

The Governor expressed relief over the MCA’s safe return and unequivocally condemned the incident.

“The release of Yussuf Hussein Ahmed was of relief to me, and we thank the Almighty Allah for keeping him safe,” he said. “I condemn enforced disappearances of persons and urge the national government, vested with the security function, to prioritize this issue and provide answers to the people of Kenya.”

However, Governor Abdullahi said the MCA’s public claims crossed the line.

“The allegations made in the statement coming from a leader who should know better, are speculative, unfortunate, false, misleading and meant to stir emotions amongst the people of Wajir,” he stated.

The Wajir County boss accused his political enemies of using the incident to craft a narrative intended to tarnish his name.

“It would be unfortunate for my political enemies or any other person out there to make good the ulterior motives indicated in the statement with the intention to blame me,” he warned, saying that this would amount to “threats on my life, security and well-being.”

Governor Abdullahi further distanced himself from any interference with security matters, reminding the public that security falls under the national government's purview.

“Security is a national government function, and I do not direct or interfere with security related investigations,” he said.

The Governor also pointed to the political undercurrents driving the allegations, linking them to a fallout over the county’s 2024/2025 budget.

“The only difference that the MCA alleges is that of Budget Estimates for the financial year 2024/2025 where nine (9) out of forty-five (45) opposed, while thirty-six (36) supported,” he said. “Why were the other eight (8) Members who opposed the estimates not targeted?”

He challenged the MCA to present credible evidence to support the allegations, urging investigative agencies to do their job.

“Let Yussuf Hussein Ahmed also provide evidence and information relating to these grave allegations,” said Abdullahi.

“I remain committed to the pursuit of peace, justice and adherence to the Rule of Law. We urge all leaders and the people of Wajir County to remain calm and allow due process to take its course.”